Breeding of hairy vetch
(Vicia villosa R.)
Hairy vetch is a first class leguminous green forage crop with high protein content. It also adapts perfectly to weak sandy soil. Its seed production is most commonly carried out with eared supporting crops (rye, triticale), its seeds are excellent export items. Our Institute is the only one having state registered varieties in Hungary, these popular in Western Europe as well: Hungvillosa (1951) and our newest variety, Perla (2010). In the course of their variety maintenance, excellent vegetative volume and economically feasible grain yield are equally important factors. The objective of our breeding activities is expand our range of varieties, to increase the green volume with favourable nutritional composition and to reduce the annual fluctuation of seed production.