2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): Evaluate and make selections across approximately 100 festuca interspecific hybrids at Kansas State University, Southeast Agriculture Research Center, Parsons, KS. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): Interspecific hybrids developed at ARS in EL Reno, OK, will be transplanted in a spaced planting nursery near Mound Valley, KS, that is operated by the Southeast Kansas Agricultural Research Center, Parsons, KS. Hybrids will be evaluated for tolerance to local diseases, local environmental stress components, vigor, appearance, and crude protein content. Following 1-2 years of selection, exceptional surviving individuals will be intercrossed and seed bulked for 3-4 years of performance testing. 3.Progress Report: Nine agronomically superior dihaploid lines were combined in diallele crossing situation that ultimately generated 14 experimental F1 tall fescue hybrids. As of June 2012, the hybrids were phenotypically evaluated in Albany, OR, and specific genetic characters particular to some dihaploid lines were observed to express themselves in a dominant fashion in the hybrids. Hybrid heterosis in some hybrids was indicated by superior vegetative growth. Further seed development and hybrid increase are underway for future performance studies.