Improved Recurrent Restricted Phenotypic Selection Increases Bahiagrass Forage Yields1

Abstract

This paper describes the restrictions that make improved recurrent restricted phenotypic selection (RRPS) more efficient than mass selection for increasing Pensacola bahiagrass forage yields. Eight cycles of RRPS have given a consistent first‐year space‐plant forage yield increase of 16.4% per cycle. Cycle 6, compared with commercial Pensacola bahiagrass as the control, yielded 91% more in the spaced‐plant‐progress test and 84% more in a seeded small‐plot test. Cycle 4 yielded 16% more liveweight gain than the control in a 3‐year replicated grazing trial which was expected based on forage yields from a small plot clipping test. In a seeded test, Cycle 6 yielded two‐thirds as much as F1 hybrid 2 × 3 in the first year and almost as much as the hybrid in the unusually dry second year. In vitro dry matter digestibility of the forage was not reduced by six cycles of RRPS. Improved RRPS allows one cycle per year and is four times more efficient than ordinary mass selection in increasing bahiagrass yields.