ROLE OF THE VORONEZH EXPERIMENTAL STATION FOR PERENNIAL HERBS – A BRANCH OF THE FEDERAL WILLIAMS RESEARCH CENTER OF FORAGE PRODUCTION AND AGROECOLOGY IN BREEDING AND PRIMARY SEED PRODUCTION OF PERENNIAL GRASSES IN RUSSIA

The main stages of development and main achievements in the field of breeding and seed production of forage crops of the Voronezh Experimental Station on perennial grasses are considered in the article. The main characteristics of the varieties created by the scientists of the station for 15 years are given. The process of creation, multiplication and introduction into production of intensive grass varieties of new generation, distinguished by a wide amplitude of resistance to abiotic and biotic factors, high productivity and increased environment-forming function is analysed. The necessity of development of fodder base of cattle breeding in the steppe zone of the Central Black Earth region on the basis of selection work with promising drought-resistant species: crested wheat grass, yellow alfalfa and sandy sainfoin.