Elymus Junceus Research Articles

Effect of water stress on ten forage grasses native or introduced to Iran

AbstractWater stress is one of the most limiting factors in crop and forage production in semi‐arid and arid regions. In a greenhouse experiment, ten forage grass species native or introduced to Iran were tested under imposed water stress. The experiment followed a 10 (species) × 3 (soil moisture) factorial design in four randomized blocks. The grass species were desert wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum [Fisch] Schult.), tall wheatgrass (A. elongatum Host Beavu.), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), June wildrye (Elymus junceus Fisch.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium prenne L.), blue panicum (Panicum antidotale Retz.), large canarygrass (Phalaris tuberosa L.) and mountain wildrye (Secale montaneum Guss.). These species were grown in pots at three levels of moisture (23% [control], 17% [moderate] and 14% [severe] on the dry soil weight basis). Increased water stress decreased total water use in all grass species and tended to decrease plant height, leaf water potential, leaf area, water‐use efficiency and root dry weight in all or most species, with varying degrees of reduction among the species. On the contrary, water stress generally had no effects on the root : shoot ratio of the grasses. Based on the reduction in total dry matter production under the two stress levels, tall wheatgrass and smooth bromegrass were the most drought‐tolerant species, while orchardgrass was the most susceptible species.

Surface runoff response of native and introduced grasses under simulated rainfall in southern Alberta

Introduced perennial grass-based pastures (e.g., crested wheatgrass, Agropyron cristatum, and Russian wildrye, Elymus junceus) are promoted as desirable alternatives to natural grasslands (Stipa-Bouteloua-Agropyron spp.) for livestock production systems on the mixed-grass prairie of Alberta. A study was conducted on plots established in 1993 to examine the surface runoff response from natural grasslands, introduced grasses and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under simulated rainfall in response to pasture and soil characteristics. The grass plots were never grazed, but herbage growth was harvested on an annual basis, while wheat was seeded each year following tillage. Both wheat and crested wheatgrass were less able to retain applied water; with low initial abstraction (5.1–5.7mm), runoff peaked earlier (14–26 min) and with higher intensity (65.1–68.8mm h-1) giving larger values of the rising limb factor (0.61–1.10). Two grasslands dominated by native species showed more desirable runoff characteristics; with high initial abstraction (9.6–13.3mm), runoff peaked later (32–54 min) and with lower intensity (32.7–45.8mm h-1) giving smaller values of the rising limb factor (0.13–0.35). Russian wildrye had an intermediary response. A linear model identified that to reduce the rising limb factor and amount of runoff generated after 30 min, the antecedent conditions of ground cover (%), litter dry matter (DM) and dead herbage DM were singularly important variables and the native grasslands had significantly higher levels of these. Importantly, fine and medium litter fragments of natural grasslands had higher water-holding capacity (>3.0 g g-1) compared with litter of the introduced species (~2.5 g g-1). However, when variables were considered in combination runoff decreased with higher ground cover and increased with higher soil water content. Levels of total N and total P in surface runoff were generally low (< 2 mg N L-1, < 1 mg P L-1), but ammonium and reactive P export from the native species was greater than for the introduced species. Suspended sediment yield did not differ among the grassland treatments, but was significantly higher for wheat. Less runoff was generated on grasslands that had high amounts of litter, dead standing herbage and ground cover. Increasing the amount of litter in pastures by using grazing management may decrease the runoff response and so avoid loss of surface water and soil nutrients. Key words: Ground cover, litter, water quality, native grasses, nutrients

The effect of perennial herbs on the physical properties of saline soils

It is shown that the physical and water-physical properties of saline chernozemic-meadow soils improve under the impact of artificially sown perennial herbs: the content of water-stable aggregates >0.25 mm increases, the bulk density of the topsoil decreases, and the soil permeability increases. As the grass cover becomes older, the soil permeability somewhat decreases, though it remains higher in comparison with the soil without the plant cover. The effect of annual crops on the physical properties of the soils is less pronounced. The improvement of soil physical properties under perennial grasses favors the desalinization of the soil profile due to the migration of salts into the groundwater via root paths. Lucerne (Medicago sp.) and sweet clover (Melilotus suaveolens) with deep, well developed root systems have the most pronounced effect on the soil desalinization. A somewhat slighter ameliorative effect is typical of Elymus junceus.

Evaluation of Native and Introduced Grasses for Reclamation and Production

Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum [L.] Gaertn.) and Russian wildrye (Elymus junceus Fisch.) are commonly used for reseeding in the more xeric Mixed Prairie of the Canadian prairies because they are perceived to be more productive than native species. However, they have been implicated in soil deterioration. The objectives of our study were to compare the aboveground net primary production and soil organic carbon (C) among monoculture communities of selected native grass species, crested wheatgrass, and Russian wildrye and to compare the native grass monocultures with their mixtures. In 1995, a 5-year study was initiated on Dark Brown Chernozemic (Typic Haploboroll) soil near Lethbridge, Alberta. Ten treatments consisting of monocultures of introduced and selected native species and mixtures of native species were established in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Aboveground net primary production and soil organic C were measured. Monocultures of 2 native species, green needlegrass (Stipa viridula Trin.) and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis [H.B.K.] Lag. ex Steud.), were more productive than crested wheatgrass or Russian wildrye under both normal moisture and drought conditions. Monocultures of these native species also tended to be more productive than their mixtures. The western wheatgrass (A. smithii Rydb.) monoculture and the western wheatgrass–blue grama mixture experienced the greatest yield reduction as a result of drought. Treatment effects on soil organic C were not detected (P > 0.05) 5 years after seeding. Soils of the June grass (Koeleria macrantha [Ledeb.] J.A. Schultes f.) community had less (P < 0.05) macro-organic C than most other treatments.

Evaluation of Native and Introduced Grasses for Reclamation and Production

Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum [L.] Gaertn.) and Russian wildrye (Elymus junceus Fisch.) are commonly used for reseeding in the more xeric Mixed Prairie of the Canadian prairies because they are perceived to be more productive than native species. However, they have been implicated in soil deterioration. The objectives of our study were to compare the aboveground net primary production and soil organic carbon (C) among monoculture communities of selected native grass species, crested wheatgrass, and Russian wildrye and to compare the native grass monocultures with their mixtures. In 1995, a 5-year study was initiated on Dark Brown Chernozemic (Typic Haploboroll) soil near Lethbridge, Alberta. Ten treatments consisting of monocultures of introduced and selected native species and mixtures of native species were established in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Aboveground net primary production and soil organic C were measured. Monocultures of 2 native species, green needlegrass (Stipa viridula Trin.) and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis [H.B.K.] Lag. ex Steud.), were more productive than crested wheatgrass or Russian wildrye under both normal moisture and drought conditions. Monocultures of these native species also tended to be more productive than their mixtures. The western wheatgrass (A. smithii Rydb.) monoculture and the western wheatgrass-blue grama mixture experienced the greatest yield reduction as a result of drought. Treatment effects on soil organic C were not detected (P &gt; 0.05) 5 years after seeding. Soils of the June grass (Koeleria macrantha [Ledeb.] J.A. Schultes f.) community had less (P &lt; 0.05) macro-organic C than most other treatments.

New Records of Vascular Plants in the Yukon Territory V

Based on field reconnaissance in 2000 and 2001 throughout Yukon but particularly in the areas of the Upper Bonnet Plume River, Wind River, Eagle Plains and Vuntut National Park, information is provided on geographically significant plant occurrences. Three native taxa, Draba kananaskis, Hieracium albiflorum and Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata and five introduced taxa, Alopecurus geniculatus, Dactylis glomerata, Elymus junceus, Lotus corniculatus, and Verbena hastata are reported new to the known flora of the Yukon Territory. Signifigant range extensions for 190 native and 24 introduced taxa are included. Maianthemum dilatatum is excluded from the Yukon flora.

Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar Analysis of Rangeland Revegetation of a Mixed Prairie

Microwave radar is a potentially useful tool for monitoring the condition of the rangeland. A study was conducted in a mixed prairie community at the Agriculture Canada Research Substation at Onefour, Alberta in 1991 to examine the effects of historical management on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data obtained from 2 aircraft flights, 24 May 1991 and 1 August 1991. Ground-truthing expeditions were conducted on the same days to obtain estimates of vegetation amounts, species distribution and soil moisture. A former grazing experiment established in 1955 and abandoned 20 years ago enabled comparison of 3 grazing treatments, continuous, rotation and free choice superimposed on native range, crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) and Russian wildrye (Elymus junceus Fish.). The ground data and imagery were integrated in a Geographic Resource Analysis Support System (GRASS). Fields that had been cultivated and seeded to Russian wildrye had higher radar backscatter than native range. The radar backscatter from crested wheatgrass fields was similar to native range in May but higher than native range in August. Radar backscatter was positively correlated with number of years since seeding with Russian wildrye. Generally there was little difference in radar backscatter with grazing treatment. Correlation analyses between radar digital number extracted from the ground truth sites and vegetation and soil parameters revealed, depending upon swath mode, significant relationships between radar backscatter and the amount of certain grass species, radar backscatter and canopy moisture, and radar backscatter and soil moisture in May. A significant negative correlation was observed between radar backscatter from the August images, in both swath modes, and percent ground cover. The results of this study indicated a role for SAR imagery in evaluating range characteristics.

Dissipation of residues of MCPA and cyanazine in three forage grasses following post‐emergence application as a mixture in the establishment year

AbstractThe dissipation of MCPA and cyanazine in smooth bromebrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), Russian wild ryegrass (Elymus junceus Ficsch.) and intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium) (Host) Beauv.) grown at three sites in western Canada was monitored for an eight‐week period following post‐emergence application of the herbicides as a mixture at 0.56 + 0.28 kg ha −1. The grasses were in the two‐ to six‐leaf stage at the time of application. MCPA, as its methyl ester, was detected using electrolytic conductivity detection whereas N‐specific alkali‐ionization detection was used for cyanazine. Foliar MCPA residues decreased more rapidly than those of cyanazine. At 56 days after application, MCPA residues were non‐detectable in all three grass species at all sites. Corresponding residues of cyanazine were of the order of the limit of quantification (0.02 mg kg −1 or less.

Seed germination and seedling survival of C3 and C4 grasses under water stress

Seed germination and seedling survival of warm-season C4 grasses (Andropogon scoparius, Bouteloua curtipendula, and B. gracilis), and cool-season C3 species (Agropyron dasystachyum, A. desertorum, A. smithii, Elymus angustus and E. junceus) were studied under a range of water stress and temperature treatments in the laboratory. Total germination percentage and germination rate dropped as water potential was decreased from 0·0 to -1·5MPa. Bouteloua gracilis (C4) had significantly higher total germination and germination rate than all species under high temperature (30°C) and water stress, but had the lowest seedling survival when exposed to water stress after germination. Elymus junceus (C3) was more tolerant of high temperature and water stress than all other species except B. gracilis, and also germinated relatively well under water stress at low temperatures. When compared to C4 species, C3 grasses had larger seeds and produced more vigorous seedlings which were better able to survive water stress. In general, seedling survival under water stress was not directly related to the ability of seeds to germinate under stress.

Isozyme and cytological markers of some Psathyrostachys juncea accessions

Psathyrostachys juncea (synonymous to Elymus junceus; 2n=2x=14, NN) has unique biotic and abiotic attributes that could contribute towards wheat improvement. The effectiveness of such an intergeneric hybridization program depends greatly on being able to establish diagnostic markers of the alien chromosomes. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) analyses of six enzyme systems have identified five biochemical markers - malate dehydrogenase (MDH), esterase (EST), shikimate dehydrogenase (SKDH), phosphoglucomutase (PGM), and β-amylase (β-AMY) - to be of positive diagnostic value; glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI) banding profiles were of no definite value in the background of Triticum aestivum cvs 'Chinese Spring' and 'Seri-82', the potential recipients of Ps. juncea chromosomes. The Giemsa C-banding karyotype distinctively separates the Ps. Juncea chromosomes from each other and from those of T. aestivum with little banding site polymorphisms prevalent among its accessions analyzed, indicating the usefulness of C-bands as cytological markers.

Impacts of seeding depth on emergence and seedling structure in eight perennial grasses

The effects of seeding depth (1.5, 3, or 6 cm) on seedling emergence, morphology, and anatomy were examined in cool-season (Agropyron dasystachyum, Agropyron desertorwn, Agropyron smithii, Elymus angustus, and Elymus junceus) and warm-season (Andropogon scoparius, Bouteloua curtipendula, and Bouteloua gracilis) perennial grasses. Caryopsis weights ranged from 0.5 mg in Bouteloua spp. to 4.7 mg in E. angustus. Prominent elongation of the subcoleoptile internode at greater seeding depths and short coleoptiles were observed in And. scoparius, B. curtipendula, and B. gracilis (type A seedlings). The remaining species had relatively long coleoptiles and no subcoleoptile internode elongation (type B seedlings). Up to 40% of the seedlings in the Agropyron species had intracoleoptile internode elongation when seeded at 3- and 6-cm depths. Relative emergence from 6 cm compared with 1.5 cm was best in Agr. dasystachyum and Agr. smithii and poorest in the type A species and in E. junceus. Diameters of xylem vessels in the subcoleoptile and intracoleoptile internodes remained relatively constant, but numbers of vesels decreased with depth of seeding, especially in the type A species. Decreases in hydraulic conductance with depth of seeding were greater in type A than in type B seedlings, mainly because of longer subcoleoptile internodes and smaller effective vessel radii in the former. Key words: grass seedling emergence, hydraulic conductance, morphology, seeding depth, seed weight, xylem dimensions.

Differential Damage to Range Grass Seedlings by Russian Wheat Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Resistance to feeding damage by the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), was studied in the greenhouse on seedlings of nine range grass species: Elytrigia dasystachya (Hook.) Á. Löve & D. Löve, Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski subsp. intermedia, Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski, Elytrigia spicata (Pursh) D. R. Dewey, Elytrigia supifolia (Czern. ex Nevski) Nevski, Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinn, Elymus cinereus Scribner & Merr., Elymus junceus Fischer, and Leymus karelinii (Turcz.) Tzvelev, and two hybrids between Elytrigia repens and Elytrigia spicata and Elytrigia repens and Elytrigia supifalia. Based on the amount of feeding damage, plant introductions (PI 440065 and PI 440066) of Elytrigia repens and the hybrids between Elytrigia repens and Elytrigia spicata (RS and RSl) and Elytrigia repens and Elytrigia supifalia were resistant. All other entries were susceptible. It may be possible to use Elytrigia repens entries with Russian wheat aphid resistance to make interspecific crosses to a broad range of grasses for the purpose of developing Russian wheat aphid-resistant grass hybrids.

Bacterial leaf streak of Gramineae in Iran

Bacterial leaf streaks of wheat and barley in Kerman province (Iran) were found to be distinct in etiology. The barley strains were limited in host range and could only infect barley. The wheat strains were pathogenic to barley, wheat, rye, triticale, Bromus spp., Agropyron spp., Elymus junceus, Lolium multiflorum, and Phalaris tuberosa, but not Dactylis glomerata, Cynodon dactylon, Phleum pratense, and oat. Based on host reactions and electrophoretic patterns of cell proteins, the barley and wheat strains were identified as Xanthomonas campestris pv. hordei and pv. cerealis, respectively.

Seedling Root Development and Morphology of Cool‐Season and Warm‐Season Forage Grasses

A detailed description of grass seedli ng root morphology is essential to understand the differences in the establishment process among grasses. A repeated greenhouse study using a 1:1 mixture of Sharpsburg silty clay loam (fine, montmorillonit|c, mesic Typic Argiudolls) and coarse sand was conducted to determine root morphology differences at the third‐leaf stage among nine cool‐season forage grasses, creeping foxtail (A1opecurus arundinaceous Poir., reed canarygrass, (Phalaris arundinacea L.), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), russian wildrye (Elymus junceus Fish.), crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.], intermediate wheatgrass [A. intermedium (Host) Beauv.], and western wheatgrass (A. smithii Rydb.); and nine warm‐season forage grasses, sideoats grama [Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Tort.], blue grama [B. gracillis (H.B.K.) Lag. ex. Steud.], sand lovegrass [Eragrostis trlchodes (Nutt.) Wood], big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii var. gerardii) Vitman), sand bluestem [A. gerardii var. paucipilus (Nash) Fern.], little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash], caucasian bluestem [Bothriochloa caucasica (Trin.) C.E. Hobb.], indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash], and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). These grasses were selected as representative forage grasses of the northern USA. Andropogoneae species reached third leaf emergence 3 to 5 days earlier than other warm‐season grasses and 3 to 15 days earlier than cool‐season grasses. Most cool‐season grasses had no or little subcoleoptile internode elongation except Aveneae species. Aveneae species and warm‐season grasses, except Chlorideae species, had root development from the subcoleoptile internode. Sand bluestem had less subcoleoptile internode root development than big bluestem. Seminal root development was greater in species of the Triticeae tribe. Adventitious root development occurred by the three‐leaf stage on species of all tribes except for Andropogoneae members. Most grasses were in a juvenile period of root growth at third leaf emergence. Stage of root development did not coincide with stage of shoot development among species.

RUSSIAN WILD RYEGRASS RESTRICTS THE FORMATION OF SILICEOUS URINARY CALCULI IN RANGE CALVES

Calves grazing with their dams on native grassland in southern Alberta had more calculi in their kidneys and bladders at weaning than a similar group of calves grazing an adjacent pasture reseeded to Russian wild ryegrass (Elymus junceus Fisch.). Calculous material in both groups contained high levels of silica (mean 780 g kg−1). Russian wild ryegrass is useful for autumn grazing because it maintains its nutritive value better than indigenous grasses late in the grazing season. The present results indicate that it may also be useful for reducing the formation of siliceous urinary calculi. Key words: Calves, Russian wild ryegrass, silica, urinary calculi

EFFECT OF ROW SPACING ON SEED AND HAY PRODUCTION OF ELEVEN GRASS SPECIES UNDER A PEACE RIVER REGION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The effect of row spacing on seed and hay yields of 11 perennial grass species, including crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum L.), intermediate wheatgrass (A. intermedium (Host.) Beauv.), a northern biotype of bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), a southern biotype of bromegrass, Russian wildrye (Elymus junceus Fisch.), meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Hudson), creeping red fescue (F. rubra var. genuina L.), chewings fescue (F. rubra var. commutata Gaud), reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), a turf-type timothy (Phleum bertolonii DC (P. bulbosum auct.)) and hexaploid timothy (Phleum pratense L.), was studied under a system with limited inputs of fertilizer and no weed control. The width of the row spacings ranged from 16 to 104 cm where seed yields were measured and from 27 to 93 cm where hay yields were measured. The seed yield of all grasses was greater at a row spacing of 16 cm than at row spacings of 60 cm or more. Hay yields of all grasses, averaged over four production years, were also greatest at narrow row spacings (27 cm). These yields decreased as row spacings increased to 49 through 93 cm. Row spacing had its greatest effect on hay yields during the first production year. After this period the effects of row spacing on hay yields were small.Key words: Row spacing, perennial grasses, seed yields, hay yields

Comparison of the karyotypes ofPsathyrostachys juncea andP. huashanica (Poaceae) studied by banding techniques

The karyotypes ofP. juncea (Elymus junceus) andP. huashanica (both outbreeders) were investigated by Feulgen-staining and by C-, N-, and Agbanding, based on a single plant in cach case. Both species have 2n=2x=14 and large chromosomes, possibly a generic character. The karyotype ofP. juncea has 8 metacentrics and 6 SAT-chromosomes with minute, heterochromatic satellites while that ofP. huashanica has 9 metacentrics and 5 SAT-chromosomes only, 2 of which with small, heterochromatic satellites. The C-banding patterns ofP. juncea chromosomes comprise from one to five, mostly small, bands at distal, and terminal positions, while those ofP. huashanica chromosomes are characterized by large telomeric bands in most arms. Banding patterns and chromosome morphology allow identification of the homologues of the seven chromosome pairs inP. juncea, but of two pairs inP. huashanica only. The patterns of both taxa are polymorphic, supporting that both taxa are outbreeders. The karyotypic characters suggest thatP. juncea is more closely related toP. fragilis than either is toP. huashanica. N-banding stains weakly. Silver nitrate staining demonstrates that nucleolus organizers of both species have different nucleolus forming capacities. The presence of micronucleoli suggests that both species have an extra unidentified chromosome with nucleolus forming capacity.

EVALUATION OF FOURTEEN GRASS POPULATIONS AS FORAGE CROPS FOR SOUTHWESTERN SASKATCHEWAN

Fourteen grass populations were evaluated for stand establishment, persistence, and dry matter yield under dryland conditions. Of these populations, Agropyron desertorum was most suitable for hay and Elymus angustus for pasture. Bromus biebersteinii compared favorably with Elymus junceus for pasture, suggesting that the two should be compared under grazing. When grown in mixture with alfalfa E. angustus and E. karataviensis tended to maintain a 50:50 grass-legume stand, whereas A. desertorum, A. cristatum × A. desertorum (4N), B. biebersteinii, B. inermis and E. junceus were very competitive and kept the percentage of alfalfa in the stand low. Both Elymus dahuricus and Elymus sibiricus showed good initial production and were short lived, suggesting they might be useful for enhancing the early production from other species sown in widely spaced rows. Elymus karataviensis was persistent but low yielding. Arctagrostis latifolia and Deschampsia beringensis were low yielding and lacked persistence.Key words: Hay, pasture, Arctagrostis, Agropyron, Bromus, Deschampsia, Elymus

GROWTH OF FOUR GRASS SPECIES AS AFFECTED BY RATE OF NITROGEN APPLICATION AND YEAR OF ESTABLISHMENT ON TWO SOIL TYPES

In an experiment to investigate the relationship between nitrogen fertilization and forage yield, four grass species, bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium (Host) Beauv.), crested wheatgrass (A. cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) and Russian wild ryegrass (Elymus junceus Fisch.), were sown in each of 3 yr on two soil types, a clay loam and a sandy loam. Five N treatments up to 252 kg N∙ha−1∙year−1 were imposed and data were collected for each of the 3 yr following the seeding year on each plot. There was considerable variation in the dry matter yields between seeding years and postseeding years. On the clay loam soil, the first year after seeding was generally the most productive whereas on the sandy loam the second harvest year produced the most. Intermediate wheatgrass was the most productive grass on the clay loam soil, crested wheatgrass on the sandy loam soil. Bromegrass produced well on both types while Russian wild ryegrass was the least productive on both soils. All species responded well to additional N. There was no advantage to split N application. The N content of forage was similar in all four species and on both soil types but was increased by fertilizer N.Key words: Bromegrass, wheatgrass, Russian wild ryegrass, nitrogen, forage yield, establishment year.

POLISH RAPESEED AS A COMPANION CROP FOR ESTABLISHING FORAGES IN NORTHEASTERN SASKATCHEWAN

Forages were seeded with and without a Polish rapeseed (Brassica campestris L.) companion crop at two dates in each of 3 yr. In each test, forage seedlings grew much better where seeded alone; growth under the companion crop varied from poor to fairly good, depending on the year and the forage species. Russian wild ryegrass (Elymus junceus Fisch.) established poorly under rapeseed. Bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) establishment was satisfactory in all tests, although production in the year following was usually much less than where it was seeded alone. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciaefolia Scop.) establishment was poor to fair under rapeseed. A mid-May seeding date with the companion crop resulted in better forage growth by fall than a later seeding date. A feature of all tests was the severe infestation of volunteer rapeseed the year following seeding in all forages except bromegrass. Because of growth suppression during the establishment year, and difficulties with volunteer rapeseed in legumes in the year following establishment, it is suggested that Polish rapeseed is not a good companion crop when establishing legumes and Russian wild ryegrass.Key words: Bromegrass, alfalfa, Russian wild ryegrass, sainfoin, rapeseed, companion crops, forage establishment