The performance of hybrids between Mediterranean and Northern European parents of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerataL.) in a mediterranean type environment

Abstract

Hybrids were produced between seven different parents of Mediterranean origin and two parents of Northern European origin. A special technique of controlled flowering, emasculation, and pollination was used to effect the hybridization. Hybrid plants were grown in undefoliated swards and assessed for cumulative growth, variation in the reproductive phase, tillering, and summer survival. The combining abilities of the parents were estimated for these characters. Hybrids between Mediterranean and Northern European parents were able to respond to summer showers at a time when Mediterranean material was still summer dormant and Northern European material severely affected by dry summer conditions. This out-of-season growth was reflected in the higher yields of the hybrids in the autumn after the main start to the growing season. During midwinter when the Mediterranean material was growing actively the growth of Northern European material ceased and some combinations of Mediterranean and Northern European parents ceased growing. The cessation of growth was attributed to winter dormancy. Plant survival during the summer was 97% for the purely Mediterranean families, 88% for Mediterranean x Northern European families, and 59% for the purely Northern European families. Some of the Mediterranean x Northern European families survived as well as the best Mediterranean families. The potential agricultural value of the Mediterranean x Northern European hybrids and a possible breeding programme with them are discussed.