Abstract
Agronomic practices improve seed yield by regulating seed yield components, and the relationship between seed yield and seed yield components is still unclear in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis). To optimize seed production and yield in smooth bromegrass, a five-year field trial was designed with split-split-plot to study the combined effects of row spacing (30, 45, 60, and 75 cm), phosphorus (0, 60, 90, and 120 kg P ha−1) and nitrogen (0 and 100 kg N ha−1) on seed yield and seed yield components including fertile tillers m−2 (FTs), spikelets per fertile tiller (SFT), florets per spikelet (FS), and seeds per spikelet (SS). The results showed that FTs as a key factor had a positive effect to seed yield with the biggest pathway coefficient, while SS had a negative effect. Meanwhile, an interaction effect between FTs and SS was observed. FS and SS were increased with phosphorus application under the condition of sufficient nitrogen. In addition, sufficient precipitation at the non-growing season resulted in more FTs in the next year in rain-fed regions. Therefore, the optimum seed yield of smooth bromegrass can be obtained with row spacing (45 cm), nitrogen (100 kg N ha−1), and phosphorus application (60 kg P ha−1).
Highlights
Field management practices including seeding, fertilization, irrigation, and weed control, etc., are important factors for a seed grower to improve seed yield
Seed yield components consist of fertile tillers m−2 (FTs), spikelets per fertile tiller (SFT), florets per spikelet (FS), and seeds per spikelet (SS), which are significantly related to the seed yield of grass species [3]
The results of variance analysis showed that there were significant (p < 0.05) effects for the harvested year, row spacing, and N/P application on seed yield and all the seed yield components, but there was no significant effect for P application on SFT (Table 1)
Summary
Field management practices including seeding, fertilization, irrigation, and weed control, etc., are important factors for a seed grower to improve seed yield. Research on cool-season grasses revealed that agronomic practices, such as plant density, fertilization, and residue management, influenced the level of seed yield and quality [1,2]. Seed yield components consist of fertile tillers m−2 (FTs), spikelets per fertile tiller (SFT), florets per spikelet (FS), and seeds per spikelet (SS), which are significantly related to the seed yield of grass species [3]. The range of variation for the SFT and FS of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is influenced by the genetic backgrounds during plant growth [7,8]. Agronomic practices can increase the number of FS in perennial ryegrass [9]. The relationship between seed yield and yield components needs to be explored further for grass seed production in certain areas
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