Author
CHERNEY, JERRY - Cornell University | |
Casler, Michael | |
BRUMMER, CHARLIE - Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc |
Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2013 Publication Date: 5/8/2014 Citation: Cherney, J., Casler, M.D., Brummer, C. 2014. Reed canarygrass yield improvement. Cornell University Bioenergy Information Sheet #8. Interpretive Summary: Reed canarygrass is well adapted to the northern USA. Eight commercial varieties and 72 wild plants collected in rural landscapes from Iowa to New Hampshire were evaluated for yield. Wild populations produced on average 7% higher biomass yield compared to commercial cultivars. Wild populations of reed canarygrass have the potential for increasing biomass yields compared to commercial varieties that are bred for pasture use, but are likely to be high alkaloid types not suited for ruminant forage. These results will be of value to agronomists, breeders, and seed industry personnel interested in the commercial potential of reed canarygrass. Technical Abstract: Reed canarygrass is well adapted to the northern USA. Eight cultivars and 72 accessions collected in rural landscapes from Iowa to New Hampshire were evaluated for yield. Accessions produced on average 7% higher biomass yield compared to existing cultivars. Naturalized populations of reed canarygrass have the potential for increasing biomass yields, but are likely to be high alkaloid types not suited for ruminant forage. |