In recent years, two forage breeding programs have introduced their first examples of a new wave of bromegrass options.  These new ‘Hybrid’ Bromegrasses are interspecific hybridizations, mainly between Meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius or beibersteinii) and Smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis).  Improved varieties or strains of these two species have been used extensively throughout the mid-Western and upper mid-Western U.S., western Plains, Canada, Northern and Eastern Europe, and Northern Asia for centuries. 

Both species, alone, have many excellent characteristics as a forage crop.  At the same time breeders are trying to accentuate and increase certain capabilities, they are also working to reduce specific negative or undesirable qualities that, to date, have been inherent within each species.

“Hybrids between the two species are now unlocking, or expanding, the parameters of potential improvements made by varietal research and development, says Plant Breeder Chad Miebach, Radix Research.  “To date, we have seen radical improvements in forage production.  Improving Forage production involves the balance and manipulation of many characteristics and concepts:  cold tolerance, vegetative re-growth, seasonal and yearly activity patterns, drought tolerance, forage quality, mixed-crop equilibrium and seed yield capabilities to name a few.” 

The first hybrid brome variety developed and released with commercial production in the U.S. was ‘Big Foot’.  A second variety will produce commercial seed in 2008.  These varieties have focused development on improved re-growth and expanded seasonal activity for the U.S. producers.  Likewise, two hybrid brome varieties have been released in Canada since 2000, ‘AC Knowles’ and ‘AC Success’.  One with commercial seed available, the other will show commercial seed in 2007.  “They are dual purpose types; that is they have a high yielding first cut hay yield like smooth bromegrass, and then have rapid re-growth for grazing following the hay cutting, more like meadow bromegrass”, says Dr. Bruce Coulman, Plant Breeder at the Saskatoon Research Centre and Department Head of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan.

Although there are currently few ‘Hybrid’ brome varieties available to the end-user thus far, the initial genetic enhancements have been dramatic and product development continues, warranting their consideration as a pasture or hay field component. A door to advancement has been opened a little wider.