Recurrent Selection for Improved Rate of Germination in Annual Ryegrass1

Abstract

Rapid germination of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is desirable for stand establishment and early grazing. The primary objective of this study was to improve germination rate of ryegrass by using recurrent selection from a widely diverse bulk population. We were also interested in determining whether rate of germination in ryegrass is a heritable trait that can be manipulated by breeding efforts. No progress was made for increased rate of germination in two cycles of recurrent selection. Selection for delayed germination was successful and heritability values for that variable were quite high.