ARS | Publication request: SELECTION OF TALL FESCUE UNDER COMPETITIVE AND NON-COMPETITIVE CONDITIONS: EVALUATION OF PROGRESS IN SEEDED PLOTS

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 3, 2004
Publication Date: October 31, 2004
Citation: Van Santen, E., Casler, M.D., Johnson, S. 2004. Selection of tall fescue under competitive and non-competitive conditions: evaluation of progress in seeded plots [abstract]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting. Paper No. 5006.

Technical Abstract: Selection for improved forage yield is often practiced in a spaced-plant nursery without any competition. Our experiment aimed to investigate the changes that occur when RPS is practiced in a spaced-plant nursery with minimal competition from weeds vs. a nursery where competing species are allowed to develop freely. Seedlings were established in the greenhouse in late summer and transplanted to a spaced-plant nursery at the Plant Breeding Unit, Tallassee, AL in early October of each year. Plants were allowed to grow until the following October when both nurseries were trimmed back. After a 4-wk regrowth period a grid was superimposed on each nursery and plant size scored within each 25-block on a scale of 0-9. Selected individuals within each scheme were intermated in Oregon. Three cycles of selection have been completed and were evaluated as solid seeded plots in two trials at the Sand Mountain REC, Crossville, AL for 3 years. Plots in the cutting trial were harvested 3-5 times per year. The grazing trial consisted of four stocking treatments (continuous, rotational to coincide with the cutting trial, and two intermediate where animals were refused access during summer or fall). Selection resulted in earlier reproductive maturity. Total annual yield was not affected by selection, but the yield distribution changed in favor of fall/winter dry matter accumulation. Selection did not affect stand percentage under grazing.