Autumn and spring management in seed crops of meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.)

Abstract

Different procedures for managing stubble and regrowth in meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) seed crops were examined in two experimental series in southeast Norway. The first series investigated cutting and removal of stubble shortly after seed harvest in late July/early August, combined with cutting of regrowth (forage harvest) in September or October or burning of the wilted aftermath in early spring. Except for one crop with more than 30-cm stubble, stubble removal shortly after seed harvest did not improve seed yield in the following year. On average for plots with and without stubble removal in seven seed crops, forage harvest on 5 September or 1 October reduced seed yield by 9 and 12%, respectively. The reductions were due to smaller inflorescences, probably reflecting lower carbohydrates reserves. In most trials, the highest seed yield, on average 9% above that of the uncut and unburned control, was found after burning in spring. The second experimental series investigated flail-chopping in spring as an alternative to burning, and the effect of delaying either of the two treatments. On average for four trials, burning and flail-chopping before growth initiation increased seed yield by, in turn, 20 and 12% compared with the untreated control. A two-to-three-week delay in fail-chopping had no negative impact, but a two-week delay in burning reduced seed yield back to the uncut/unburned control level. Based on these trials, growers are recommended to burn meadow fescue seed crops in early spring rather than removing stubble and regrowth in autumn. If burning in early spring is not possible, flail-chopping is recommended within two weeks after growth initiation.