Abstract
The natural growth habit of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra) involves a steady proliferation of tillers, which eventually become too dense to form seedheads. A field study was conducted to evaluate whether seed yield of fescue can be optimized for one, two or three consecutive crops by manipulating the initial population density and arrangement of plants. Individual seedling plants were transplanted at seven densities (1.6, 3.1, 6.3, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 plants m−2) and three row spacings (20, 40 and 80 cm), and characteristics of seed production were determined for 3 yr (1991–1993). Heading commenced at dates differing by 16 d in the 3 yr and was delayed by up to 7 d as density increased. Seed maturity occurred in a 7-d period in each year (15–22 July). For a single harvest, an initial density of 12–100 plants m−2 on a row spacing of 20 cm or 12–50 plants m−2 on a row spacing of 40 cm is required to optimize yield and produce about 600 kg ha−1 of clean seed. For two consecutive harvests, an initial population density of 6–25 plants m−2 on a row spacing of 20 cm or 6–50 plants m−2 on a row spacing of 40 cm is required to optimize yield and produce a total of about 800 kg ha−1 of clean seed. For producing for either 1 or 2 yr, a density of 12–25 plants m−2 on rows no wider than 40 cm is required to optimize seed yield in each year. The probability of producing a third seed crop decreases markedly as the initial plant density increases and as the row spacing decreases. It is probably uneconomic to harvest more than two consecutive seed crops with current management practices. Key words: Red fescue; Festuca rubra var. rubra, population density, plant spacing, seed production
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.