Torpeda

Torpedo – an early-maturing species of brome grass (Dactylis glomerata L.), developed at the Penza Institute of Agricultural Sciences. The plant is characterized by an upright bush with strong branching, a height of 110–130 cm, and high yield: up to 45 t/ha of green mass after four cuts when nitrogenous fertilizers are applied at a rate of 120–180 kg/ha. Dry matter reaches 8.6 t/ha, and seed content is about 0.3 t/ha.

Torpedo grows quickly in spring and after each cutting, making it an ideal first link in the green conveyor on irrigated mowing grounds and pastures. The vegetation period lasts 89–98 days until seed maturity, and each subsequent cut takes from 28 to 54 days. The variety is distinguished by high winter hardiness and drought resistance, which allows it to maintain productivity even under unfavorable climatic conditions.

Forage quality of Torpedo is high: crude protein content in dry matter reaches 15–18%, and fiber does not exceed 25–28%. The plant is well grazed by all types of livestock, especially when cut early. Resistance to lodging and weak infection with brown rust make it a reliable choice for intensive agricultural technologies. Thanks to high yield and forage quality, Torpedo is suitable for both mowing grounds and pastures, providing a stable feed source for livestock over several years of operation.