Festulolium VIKNEL

Practical insights on Festulolium «Viknel»

When selecting a forage crop for long-term use, the operator needs to be confident in the crop's establishment speed. The «Viknel» variety from SKFNATS stands out for its energetic growth start. In practical terms, this means the crop suppresses weeds effectively and reaches the tillering phase ahead of schedule.

Management and Performance

Adhering to the seeding rate of 25-30 kg/ha results in a dense sward that holds up well under both grazing and intensive mechanical harvesting. The high turf density is a key operational advantage: it creates a robust soil cover, reducing erosion and minimizing moisture loss during dry spells.

• Disease Resistance: The variety shows strong resistance to Fusarium and root rot. In wet conditions, this translates into fewer fungicide applications and higher crop survival rates.
• Regeneration: «Viknel» recovers quickly after mowing, allowing for a predictable forage harvest schedule without the risk of the stand thinning out too early.

The breeding work conducted by the SKFNATS team (Kravtsov V.A., Nadmidov N.V., and Kravtsov V.V.) has produced a reliable cultivar tailored for challenging conditions. Once established, «Viknel» becomes a low-maintenance, high-yield foundation for any forage-based operation, requiring minimal intervention compared to more sensitive varieties.