AN EVALUATION OF VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ORCHARDGRASS (DACTYLIS GLOMERATA L.) SUBJECTED TO A SILAGE-PASTURE TYPE OF UTILIZATION

Abstract

A study was conducted over 3 harvest years to evaluate the importance of maturity classification, tillering, and fall dormancy in relation to yield of dry matter, per cent protein and yield of protein, and regional adaptation of 40 orchardgrass varieties subjected to a silage-pasture type of utilization. Using head emergence (silage stage) as the criterion, five maturity classes were established: very early, early, medium, late, very late. Early maturity was positively associated with total yield, but there was no relation between maturity and per cent protein, tillering, or fall dormancy. Total yield of dry matter was the main determinant of protein yield. Tillering was not associated with yield of dry matter or per cent protein but was associated with fall greenness. Fall dormancy was positively associated with prostrate fall growth habit. Individual varieties displaying desirable agronomic characteristics were found within every maturity class. However, the leading varieties with respect to total yield of dry matter and protein per acre were from the medium maturity class. The medium maturity class displayed the best seasonal distribution of dry matter and general adaptation.