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AC Rocket

Variety Description

Varieties used for comparison: 'Radisson', 'Saratoga' and 'Bravo'

Summary: 'AC Rocket' has a leaf attitude which is intermediate between semi-erect and drooping while for 'Radisson' it is drooping and for 'Bravo' it is semi-erect. The leaf blades of 'AC Rocket' are lighter green than those of the reference varieties. The majority of the uppermost stem nodes of 'AC Rocket' are green brown while those of 'Radisson' and 'Bravo' are light green. The panicles of 'AC Rocket' are open with drooping branches while those of 'Saratoga' are moderately open with horizontal branches and those of 'Radisson' and 'Bravo' are compact with semi-erect branches. 'AC Rocket' has stronger anthocyanin colouration on the panicles than the reference varieties.

Description: SEEDLING: moderate pubescence, weak anthocyanin colouration on sheath of first leaf

PLANT: erect growth habit

STEM: "v"-shaped collar, majority of uppermost nodes are green brown

LEAF: attitude intermediate between semi-erect and drooping, sparse pubescence, light green, ligule present

FLAG LEAF: narrow, no auricles

TIME OF HEADING: early

PANICLE: open shape, drooping branches, strong anthocyanin colouration

Origin & Breeding History: Parental clones of 'AC Rocket' (breeder designation SFB 9001) were originally selected from a space planted nursery established in 1985 and composed of several hundred plants of the varieties 'Baylor', 'Beacon', 'Saratoga' and 'Tempo'. Based on the results of 1986 and 1987, 290 genotypes were selected for leafiness, fine stems and rapid recovery after cutting. These genotypes were intercrossed and a polycross progeny test was established in the field in 1988. Based on the polycross progeny test evaluated for two years, 25 genotypes were finally selected for dry matter yield and good regrowth. These genotypes were intercrossed to produce syn-1 that was further intercrossed to produce syn-2 seed that was used for the evaluations in the Québec provincial field trials. Based on these evaluations, 'AC Rocket' was supported for registration and breeder seed production was initiated. The 25 genotypes were intercrossed under cages in a greenhouse in Sainte-Foy to produce pre-breeder seed that was used to establish a breeders' plot in Saskatchewan in 1997. Breeder seed was produced in 1998 and 1999.

Tests & Trials: All data, except those regarding the seedling, were obtained from tests and trials conducted during the summers of 2003 and 2004, in a nursery established in 2002 at the Thomas Chapais Farm in Lévis, Québec. The data for the seedling characteristics was obtained from testing conducted in 2004 in a greenhouse when the seedlings were at the 1 to 2 leaf stage of growth. The field trial was set up in a randomized complete block design consisting of 4 replications per variety. Each replicate was composed of 25 plants spaced 30 cm and planted in 7 m rows with 90 cm between the rows.

Smooth Bromegrass: 'AC Rocket' (left) with reference varieties 'Saratoga' (centre left), 'Bravo' (centre right) and 'Radisson' (right)

Smooth Bromegrass: 'AC Rocket' (right) with reference varieties 'Radisson' (left), 'Bravo' (centre left) and 'Saratoga' (centre right)