A Detached Culm Technique for Seed Production of Tall Fescue in Isolation from Foreign Pollen Sources1

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to investigate the feasibility of using a detached culm technique for seed production of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and to evaluate the effects of genotype, culm length, stage of floral development, and growth medium on total seed production, 100‐seed weight, and percent germination. Genotype, stage of floral development, culm length, genotype ✕ stage of floral development, and genotype ✕ culm length interactions were significant sources of variation for total seed yield. The long culm length, and fully‐emerged panicle treatments gave higher seed yields than the short culm length and partially‐emerged panicle treatments, respectively. The highest 100‐seed weight was observed for the fully‐emerged panicle, long culm length, and nutrient growth medium combination. There were no major influences on percent germination attributable to culm length, stage of floral development, or growth medium. All genotypes produced adequate seed yields (range of 0.03 to 0.05 g/two panicle sample) with percent germination means ranging from 89 to 98%. The detached culm technique using long culm lengths and fully‐emerged panicles should be useful in tall fescue breeding programs.