Relation between adaptability and some morphological characters in prairie grass (Bromus unioloidesH.B.K.)

Abstract

Abstract Eight seed lines of prairie grass (Bromus unioloides H.B.K.) grown in pots were compared at three cutting severities in each of three soil types. Significant differences in dry herbage production between lines were obtained in all treatments except those in the most productive soil. Of the other characters measured—leaf length, leaf width, number of tillers and leaves per tiller—leaf length was most closely indicative of herbage weight differences, in all treatments. Although certain lines could be identified as generally adaptable, that is, consistently good or bad performers in all treatments, no significant differences between lines were found for specific adaptability to increasingly productive soil or to cutting treatments.