The paper starts with those arguments which underline the scientific importance of the research program entitled “Factors determining forage quality of grasses”. It summarizes the maint features of spring grass development based on the international scientific literature. It describes the methods and material of the research program.
Based on the results of the 2004 research it presents data for tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), brome grass (Bromus inermis), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and thimothy (Phleum pratense) on
- number of active leaves, at given dates,
- the sum of the length of active leaves per shoot at given dates,
- total number of leaves/per shoot developed until the end of the investigations,
- crude protein and netto energy content of the grasses in the beginning in the middle and in the end of investigation period.
Conclusions from the research results:
- the phonological development of grasses is species-specific,
- after the start of the generative development the active leaf area per shoot is declining,
1 A dolgozat az MTA Gyepgazdálkodási Bizottságának 2005. július 09-én Beregszászon (Ukrajna) rendezett tudományos előadás bővített változata
decline in crude protein content of grasses between middle April and June is continues while netto energy content declines between middle April and middle May, but it does not change after words.