Use Of Tall Fescue Research Articles

Transcriptomic Analysis of Antimony Response in Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)

Antimony (Sb) is a toxic trace element for plants and animals. With the development of industrial applications and mining, Sb pollution is becoming more serious. Phytoremediation is regarded as an eco-friendly technique to reduce the threat of Sb to the environment and human health, and tall fescue that is highly adaptable to heavy metal stress can be a candidate species for Sb-contaminated soil phytoremediation. However, the mechanism of the Sb stress response in tall fescue is not clear. Therefore, transcriptomic analysis was used in this study to reveal the molecular mechanisms of Sb stress response regulation in tall fescue. The results suggested that the roots and leaves of tall fescue responded to Sb stress in different ways. In roots, the lignin and flavonoids might reduce the toxicity of Sb by anti-oxidation and Sb chelation. At the same time, the DEGs in leaves were mainly enriched in the pathways of glutathione metabolism, β-alanine metabolism, and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. Additionally, genes related to the pathways, such as 4CL, GST, AGXT2, and ALDH7A1, especially cytochrome P450 family genes (e.g., CYP73A, CYP75A, and CYP98A), might play key roles in the regulation of the Sb stress response in tall fescue. These findings provided a theoretical reference for the efficient use of tall fescue to control Sb-contaminated soil in the future.

Identification of restoration species for early roadcut slope regeneration using functional group approach

Current restoration protocols for roadside cut slopes in South Korea involve hydroseeding with exotic species to achieve early greening and soil stabilization. However, exotic species can negatively affect adjacent native ecosystems. This study investigated the functional traits of early colonizers in slope restoration and surrounding environments to inform restoration methods that generate similar communities as those of native ecosystems. Slope vegetation (species density, species cover, upperstory species, canopy cover) and environment (aspect, angle, soil properties) were surveyed from the road edge to the forest boundary, and were classified as three distinct zones: a hydroseeded slope, a transition zone, and the forest edge. Naturally occurring species were classified into functional groups to examine dominant traits during early colonization. Hemicryptophyte or geophyte forest species and forest interior woody species were well established and dominant in transition zones and cut slopes. Potential native species for slope restoration can be identified by examining functional group species in the adjacent forest. These native species can achieve restoration goals and block invasive species in the same functional group. Festuca arundinacea (tall fescue), which is reported as an invasive alien species, rapidly spread after introduction for restoration. Thus, continuous monitoring for impact on native communities is required after sowing invasive alien species. Future slope restoration should consider native woody species and perennial forest sedge species that develop rhizomes, and reconsider the use of tall fescue. This study indicates that cut slopes can be appropriately managed to enhance the quality of habitats for native species.

Evaluation of tall fescue as a low radiocesium-uptake grass species to replace orchardgrass in Japan

Grasslands in Tohoku and North Kanto, Japan were contaminated with radiocesium released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant in March 2011. The dominant pasture species in the permanent grasslands of these areas is orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). Two field studies were conducted to determine the potential of a low radiocesium-uptake forage grass to replace orchardgrass for remediation of contaminated grasslands. From 2012 to 2014, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) showed lower 137Cs uptake than orchardgrass under harvesting condition. The annual mean 137Cs activity concentration and transfer factor in tall fescue were half of those in orchardgrass. There was no significant difference in the 137Cs activity concentration among the five cultivars of tall fescue at the third harvest in 2012. From 2016 to 2019, another field study was conducted in a pasture with tall fescue and orchardgrass introduced by overseeding under heavy grazing pressure after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. Tall fescue and orchardgrass were collected in May, July, and September from four paddocks before rotational grazing. Three grasses that were originally present, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and white clover (Trifolium repens L.), were collected each time that tall fescue and orchardgrass were sampled in 2016–2017. They were also collected at the sampling time in May of 2018 and 2019. Tall fescue showed a consistently lower transfer factor than orchardgrass during the four years. Tall fescue had the lowest transfer factor compared with the three originally grown plant species. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan recommends an exchangeable K2O content of 0.3–0.4 g kg−1 in soil (0–15 cm depth) to keep the 137Cs activity concentration in forage grass below the provisional tolerance level for feed. The soil exchangeable K2O content in both field studies was lower than this. Tall fescue is considered a low radiocesium-uptake grass and a potential replacement for orchardgrass in Japan. The use of tall fescue might reduce the amount of potassium fertilizer needed in contaminated grasslands.

Research Advances on Tall Fescue Salt Tolerance: From Root Signaling to Molecular and Metabolic Adjustment

Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stress factors that constrain plant growth and limit crop productivity. About a quarter of the global land area is affected by salinity; therefore, there is increased need to develop salt-tolerant crops. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is one of the most important cool-season turfgrasses, which has medium tolerance to salinity and has a promising potential to be used as a turfgrass under saline conditions. However, up to now, the maximum use of tall fescue under salinity stress is still limited by inadequate scientific literature. Recent studies have attempted to identify various adaptive responses to salinity stress at molecular, cellular, metabolic, and physiological levels in tall fescue. The successful integration of information concerning signal sensing, molecular tools with recent advances in -omics would certainly provide a clue for creating salt-tolerant tall fescue. Because salinity limits water availability to plants via hindering water absorption, and by inducing physiological drought, here we review and propose a probable mechanism of tall fescue response to salinity stress and to similar effects induced by drought based on published literature.

Nitric oxide alleviates cadmium toxicity in tall fescue photosystem II on the electron donor side

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) possesses remarkable prospects in heavy metal phytoremediation. Nitric oxide (NO) plays multifunctional roles in plant growth, development and the regulation of cellular mechanisms. In this study, we evaluated the potential use of tall fescue for cadmium (Cd) phytoremediation and the contribution of NO to the process. Different concentrations of Cd2+ were applied to study the toxic effects of Cd2+ and its absorption in tall fescue. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was used as exogenous NO donor and NG-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) was used as a NO synthesis inhibitor to evaluate the role of NO in tall fescue phytoremediation. The tall fescue growth parameters and photosystem II (PSII) activities were determined. The performance of the tall fescue was inhibited by an increase in the Cd2+ concentration. The SNP treatment improved the behaviour of tall fescue against Cd2+ stress, while the L-NAME treatment led to the opposite results in certain cases. Additionally, SNP treatment reduced the Cd2+ contents of the tall fescue shoots. The study of OJIP curves showed that Cd2+ treatment possessed negative effects on PSII grouping and NO treatment could alleviate Cd2+ toxicity on PSII. Moreover, JIP test depicted toxic effect of Cd2+ upon tall fescue and the protective role of NO against heavy metal stress. Overall, the tall fescue exhibited high tolerance to Cd2+ stress and NO protected the fescue from Cd2+. Cd2+ toxicity in the tall fescue PSII is primarily localized on the electron donor side. NO alleviated Cd2+ toxicity on the PSII electron donor side, which may be due to its role in the regulation of the level and toxicity of reactive oxygen species.

Residual Impact of Tall Fescue on Corn, Cotton, and Peanut Yield

Core Ideas Sod‐based rotations can impact yield of agronomic crops for numerous years after termination. Peanut yield can be affected by length of rotation irrespective of land use. Crop response to previous land use can be influenced by weather patterns. Sod‐based rotations can improve soil characteristics and increase yield of agronomic crops in succeeding years compared with continuous agronomic crops. Research with sod‐based systems in North Carolina is limited, especially with respect to peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) response. Research was conducted to determine the residual impact of endophyte‐free tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix Scop.) on yield of corn (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), peanut, and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] planted in subsequent years. Tall fescue and agronomic crops including corn and cotton in rotation were grown in separate plots from 2004 to 2008 at two locations in North Carolina. In 2009, corn, cotton, peanut, and soybean were planted following tall fescue and agronomic crops. Corn (2010 and 2011), cotton (2012), and peanut (2013) yields were determined when planted behind each of the rotations from 2004 to 2008 and crops planted during 2009. Corn, peanut, and soybean yields in 2009 were not affected by land use of tall fescue compared with rotation with agronomic crops; cotton yield was higher after tall fescue. Corn yield in 2010 and 2011 and peanut yield during 2013 were greater following tall fescue from 2004 to 2008 compared with yield after cotton and corn in rotation. Cotton yield did not differ in 2012 regardless of land use from 2004 to 2008. Corn (2010 and 2011) and cotton yields were not affected by rotation crop during 2009; peanut yield in 2013 was greater following 2009 plantings of corn, cotton, or soybean compared with peanut. These results indicate that tall fescue–based systems can extend their positive impact on corn and peanut.

Influence of inoculating earthworms on removal of pyrene in soils growing Festuca arundinacea

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to examine the potential of inoculating earthworms (Pheretima sp.) in order to enhance phytoremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) present in soils with the use of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). In particular, experiments with or without inoculating earthworms for removal of pyrene was investigated. Results showed that planting of F. arundinacea enhanced the removal of pyrene at initial content over 70 days approximately 54%–80% but only 12%–24% occurred in non-planted soils. After inoculating earthworms, the dissipation rates of pyrene in planted soils were increased up to 61%–86%, which was 6%–12% higher than those in corresponding soils without inoculating earthworms. Among all possible pathways, the contribution of plant--microbial interactions on removal of pyrene was predominant, either with (46%) or without inoculating earthworms (52%), is the primary mechanism of contaminant removal. Data suggest inoculating earthworms may be a feasible way for reinforcing removal of PAH in contaminated sites.

BILL E. KUNKLE INTERDISCIPLINARY BEEF SYMPOSIUM: Genetic resistance to the effects of grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue.

Forages are the base source of nutrition for any cow-calf operation. Forage types vary based on soil type and climate. Tall fescue () is the most commonly used cultivated grass for grazing beef cattle in the United States. This cool-season perennial is easily established; is resistant to drought, insects, and nematodes; and has the ability to withstand heavy grazing pressure. Most tall fescue varieties are infected with the endophyte fungus () that is essential for the plant's survival but detrimental to cattle performance. Ergot alkaloids are the generally accepted toxic agents produced by the fescue endophyte. Cattle that consume forages infected with this endophyte can develop fescue foot, fat necrosis, or fescue toxicosis. It is estimated that the beef industry loses over US$500 million annually due to fescue toxicosis through heat stress, reduced weight gain, suppressed appetite, and decreased reproductive performance. Other symptoms include a retained or rough hair coat and increased body temperature, which can be detrimental when animals are located in hot and or humid environments. Different forages and forage systems, feed additives, and animal management strategies have been tested through the years allowing the use of tall fescue in beef production systems while minimizing the adverse effects. An animal genetics approach needs to identify and select animals less susceptible to the ergot alkaloids. Research in this area reports that different cattle within the same herd can respond differently when grazing tall fescue, and evidence exists that breed type may also play a role in genetic tolerance to the negative effects on performance. Some studies have looked at the potential of identifying genetic markers that may assist in the selection of more resistant animals. From these studies, there is evidence that genetic variation does exist for resistance to the ergot alkaloids present when grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue. Forage management coupled with animal genetic selection could allow for more efficient use of tall fescue as a significant forage source in beef cattle systems. These would allow producing more beef per hectare in the United States in response to an increasing population combined with decreasing resources.

Decontamination of a polychlorinated biphenyls-contaminated soil by phytoremediation-assisted bioaugmentation

A 70day pot experiment was conducted for the cleaning-up of a PCBs-contaminated soil (104mgkg(-1) soil DW) using bioaugmentation with Burkholderia xenovorans LB400 (LB400) assisted or not by the use of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). The total cultivable bacteria of the soil were higher with the presence of plants. Real-time PCR showed that LB400 (targeting 16S-23S rRNA ITS) survived with abundance related to total bacteria (targeting 16S rRNA) being higher with fescue (up to a factor of three). Bioaugmentation had a positive effect on fescue biomass and more specifically on roots (by a factor of three). PCB dissipation (sum of congeners 28, 52, 101, 118, 153, 180) averaged 13% (bioaugmented-planted) up to 32% (non bioaugmented-planted), without any significant difference between treatments. Basically our results demonstrated that indigenous bacteria were able to dissipate PCBs (26.2% dissipation). PCB dissipation was not related to the abundance of LB400 or to the total bacterial counts. Bioaugmentation or fescue altered the structure of the bacterial community of the soil, not the combination of both. Principal component analysis showed that bioaugmentation tended to improve the control of the process (lower variability in PCB dissipation). Opposite to that bioaugmentation increased the variability of the structure of the bacterial community.

Agronomic Performance and Lamb Health among Several Tall Fescue Novel Endophyte Combinations in the South‐Central USA

Deployment of novel endophytes [Neotyphodium coenophialum (Morgan‐Jones & Gams) Glenn, Bacon & Hanlin] may expand the use of tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire] in the south‐central United States. Our objectives were to compare agronomic performance of, and health of lambs (Ovis aries) grazing, several tall fescue–novel endophyte combinations in the south‐central United States. Two tall fescue populations (97TF1 and PDF) were inoculated with four novel endophytes (AR514, AR524, AR542, and AR584). At most locations, persistence of the eight combinations under grazing by beef cattle (Bos taurus) was similar to Jesup MaxQ. However, the combination PDF AR584 had greater persistence than Jesup MaxQ at Booneville, AR (24 vs. 14% stands, respectively) and Burneyville, OK (31 vs. 8% stands, respectively). Forage yields of the eight combinations were comparable to Jesup MaxQ, with PDF AR584 having greater yields on occasion. Lambs grazing PDF AR584, 97TF1 AR584, PDF AR542, PDF AR524, and Jesup MaxQ gained an average of >139 g d−1, more than twice the 68 g d−1 gained by animals grazing endophyte‐infected Kentucky‐31. Prolactin and urinary alkaloid data indicated no detrimental health effects for animals grazing the novel endophyte combinations. Several tall fescue–novel endophyte combinations, and in particular PDF AR584, appear to be suited for the south‐central United States, based on competitive agronomic performance and health of grazing lambs.

Improved soil and irrigation management for forage production 3. Plant - soil - water relationships

A field experiment was conducted from January 2000 for 2.5 years, at the Department of Primary Industries, Kyabram, in northern Victoria. The experiment determined the effect of soil modification, with and without subsurface drainage, on the yield and water use of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), lucerne (Medicago sativa), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) under 2 irrigation frequencies. The soil was a red-brown earth. The forages were spray irrigated from August to May when evaporation minus rainfall (E – R) reached 45–50 mm (frequent) or 90–100 mm (infrequent). The depth of irrigation water applied was equal to the soil water deficit (SWD) of each treatment, measured before each irrigation. Soil modification did not change the plant available water content of the soil (about 115 mm). The apparent depth of water extraction was initially different between soil management treatments but, over time, these differences disappeared. There were consistent differences between the forage species in the apparent depth of soil water extraction. Lucerne extracted water from deeper in the soil than phalaris followed by tall fescue and then perennial ryegrass. In general, the infrequently irrigated forages extracted water from deeper in the soil than did the frequently irrigated forages. The frequently irrigated treatments received slightly more water than did the infrequent treatments. The depth of water applied to the control and modified soil was similar, whereas the drained soils received more water than did the undrained treatments. There were differences between the forages in the depth of water applied, with lucerne receiving up to about 1500 mm/year and the grasses about 1100 to 1300 mm/year. Water use efficiency [kg dry matter (DM)/ha.mm] of the forages ranged from 14 to 18 kg DM/ha.mm in 2000–01 and up to 24 kg DM/ha.mm in 2001–02. The relatively high water use efficiencies were largely due to the high yields achieved, as water use was similar to that of district farms.

Effects of endophyte status of tall fescue tissues on the earthworm (Eisenia fetida)

A cryptic fungal endophyte, Neotyphodium coenophialum, infects most tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) pastures in the United States. Cattle, sheep, and horses that consume the endophyte-infected grass can suffer fescue toxicosis caused by toxic alkaloids in the infected plants. The effects of the endophyte on mammalian herbivores have been well documented, but less is known regarding the quality of the grass (infected vs noninfected) as a food material for soil invertebrates. We conducted 21-d tests with earthworms (Eisenia fetida) to determine the nutritional quality of endophyte-infected and noninfected tall fescue leaf and root tissues. Earthworm survival, growth, and reproduction were measured in each treatment combination of tissue type and infection status. Earthworm survival was 100% in all treatments. Tall fescue tissue type (leaf vs root) and infection status (present or absent) both significantly affected E. fetida growth and reproduction. The earthworms grew and had moderate levels of reproduction in replicates containing tall fescue leaf tissue as the sole food source regardless of the endophyte-infection status, but earthworms lost weight and had less reproduction in replicates where tall fescue root tissue was the sole food source. An unexpected effect of infection status on earthworm growth in the tall fescue leaf-tissue treatments was also evident: mean growth of E. fetida with access to endophyte-infected leaf tissue as the sole food source was 3.6-fold greater than mean growth of E. fetida with access to noninfected leaf tissue as the sole food source. Knowledge regarding the relative effects of endophyte status of tall fescue on soil organisms may allow the development of more effective environmental management strategies at sites where tall fescue is being considered for use in phytoremediation or for vegetative cover. Investigators working with tall fescue should be alert to the possibility of endophyte-mediated effects of tall fescue on other organisms and, at a minimum, should provide information regarding the grass's infection status when reporting the results of studies that involve use of tall fescue.

Effects of endophyte status of tall fescue tissues on the earthworm (Eisenia fetida).

A cryptic fungal endophyte, Neotyphodium coenophialum, infects most tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) pastures in the United States. Cattle, sheep, and horses that consume the endophyte-infected grass can suffer fescue toxicosis caused by toxic alkaloids in the infected plants. The effects of the endophyte on mammalian herbivores have been well documented, but less is known regarding the quality of the grass (infected vs noninfected) as a food material for soil invertebrates. We conducted 21-d tests with earthworms (Eisenia fetida) to determine the nutritional quality of endophyte-infected and noninfected tall fescue leaf and root tissues. Earthworm survival, growth, and reproduction were measured in each treatment combination of tissue type and infection status. Earthworm survival was 100% in all treatments. Tall fescue tissue type (leaf vs root) and infection status (present or absent) both significantly affected E. fetida growth and reproduction. The earthworms grew and had moderate levels of reproduction in replicates containing tall fescue leaf tissue as the sole food source regardless of the endophyte-infection status, but earthworms lost weight and had less reproduction in replicates where tall fescue root tissue was the sole food source. An unexpected effect of infection status on earthworm growth in the tall fescue leaf-tissue treatments was also evident: mean growth of E. fetida with access to endophyte-infected leaf tissue as the sole food source was 3.6-fold greater than mean growth of E. fetida with access to noninfected leaf tissue as the sole food source. Knowledge regarding the relative effects of endophyte status of tall fescue on soil organisms may allow the development of more effective environmental management strategies at sites where tall fescue is being considered for use in phytoremediation or for vegetative cover. Investigators working with tall fescue should be alert to the possibility of endophyte-mediated effects of tall fescue on other organisms and, at a minimum, should provide information regarding the grass's infection status when reporting the results of studies that involve use of tall fescue.

ESTABLISHING NATIVE WARM SEASON GRASSES ON EASTERN KENTUCKY STRIP MINES

The authors evaluated various methods of establishing native warm season grasses on two reclaimed Eastern Kentucky mines from 1994--1997. Most current reclamation practices incorporate the use of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and other cool-season grasses/legumes that provide little wildlife habitats. The use of native warm season grasses will likely improve wildlife habitat on reclaimed strip mines. Objectives of this study were to compare the feasibility of establishing these grasses during fall, winter, or spring using a native rangeland seeder or hydroseeding; a fertilizer application at planting; or cold-moist stratification prior to hydroseeding. Vegetative cover, bare ground, species richness, and biomass samples were collected at the end of each growing season. Native warm season grass plantings had higher plant species richness compared to cool-season reclamation mixtures. There was no difference in establishment of native warm season grasses as a result of fertilization or seeding technique. Winter native warm season grass plantings were failures and cold-moist stratification did not increase plant establishment during any season. As a result of a drought during 1997, both cool-season and warm season plantings were failures. Cool-season reclamation mixtures had significantly more vegetative cover and biomass compared to native warm season grass mixtures and the native warmmore » season grass plantings did not meet vegetative cover requirements for bond release. Forbs and legumes that established well included pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida), lance-leaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), round-headed lespedeza (Lespedeza capitata), partridge pea (Cassia fasiculata), black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), and bergamot (Monarda fistulosa). Results from two demonstration plots next to research plots indicate it is possible to establish native warm season grasses on Eastern Kentucky strip mines for wildlife habitat.« less

Breeding tall fescue for establishment vigour

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) has been shown to have great potential to supply quality forage through the summer in environments where the water regime limits performance of perennial ryegrass (Loliumperenne L.). The use of tall fescue seed in NZ has risen from almost none 15 years ago to about 200 tonnes today. However the further use of tall fescue is limited by the difficulty some farmers have in establishing it, particularly when performance is compared with perennial ryegrass. Experience is generally that the widely used imported cultivar AU Triumph establishes more vigorously than the NZ cultivar Grasslands Roa. Tall fescue breeding at AgResearch Grasslands has in the past 10 years concentrated on improving the vigour at establishment, while maintaining the excellent standard of forage quality achieved with Roa. Data are presented indicating substantial progress, with breeding line families outperforming all control cultivars. However, further data suggest a strong effect of conditions of seed ripening and harvest on the vigour of seed when sown. Data comparing different field multiplications and comparing breeding families harvested in the field and in the glasshouse confirm this. Field sowings and more controlled nursery box experiments are described. The paper discusses implications for plant breeding method and for seed production

Tall Fescue Response to Placement of Urea/Ammonium Nitrate Solution

AbstractSeveral studies have shown that cool‐season grasses may respond more to subsurface (knife) applications of fluid fertilizer than to surface applications. However, optimum depth of knife application has not been clearly identified. A field study was conducted from 1984 to 1986 to determine the effects of 5‐, 10‐, and 15‐cm knife and surface band (dribble) and broadcast applications of urea/NH4NO3 solution at 84 and 168 kg N ha−1 on forage yield and N use of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and on soil N levels. The soil is a Parsons silt loam (fine, mixed, thermic Mollic Albaqualf). In 1985 and 1986, 168 kg N ha−1 resulted in higher final forage yields than 84 kg N ha−1. Knife applications at 10 cm generally resulted in the highest forage yield, though not always significantly higher than other placements. Knife placement at 15 cm resulted in lower N uptake in early grass clippings (intermediate harvests), compared with surface and shallower knife applications. The N concentration, N uptake in the final spring harvest, and apparent fertilizer‐N recovery by the forage were usually increased by 10‐cm placement. Knife applications of N at or below 10 cm resulted in higher inorganic soil N concentrations at intermediate harvests than did surface applications.

Grass grub tolerant pastures and fertiliser nitrogen as an alternative to white clover in pasture subject to grass grub attack

The effect of replacing white clover with fertiliser nitrogen (N) on dry matter production and grass grub populations in 'Grasslands Roa' tell fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), 'Grasslands Mat-u' phalaris (Phalutis aquatica L.), 'Grasslands Kara' cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), 'Grasslands Mama' prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth) and 'old' (30 year plus) ryegrass was measured over a 2 year period. For all pastures the replacement of white clover with fertiliser N significantly reduced grass grub numbers. This was greatest in tall fescue, phalaris and cocksfoot, showing that pure swards of these species were resistant to grass grub. Decreases in grass grub numbers in ryegrass and prairie grass were less. There was overall a significant increase in pasture production by eliminating white clover and applying fertiliser N, with a differential response between species. Average annual production of prairie grass was unaffected, whereas the yield of cocksfoot increased by 9 % and old ryegrass, phalaris and tall fescue increased by 26 % . Most of this extra production for tall fescue and phalaris occurred in autumn. These results show that the use of tall fescue and phalaris and the replacement of white clover with fertiliser N has potential for increasing pasture production in districts subject to grass damage. Keywords old ryegrass, Roa tall fescue, Maru phalaris, Kara cocksfoot, Matua prairie grass, white clover, grass grub, nitrogen fertiliser

Growth and Water Use of Tall Fescue as Influenced by Several Soil Drying Cycles1

AbstractMany investigations have studied various physiological processes using plants watered on a schedule with the effect of this watering schedule seldom considered significant. An understanding of the effect of watering frequency on growth and water use is required to understand water stress tolerance of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Experiments were designed to evaluate the effect of watering schedule in greenhouse grown tall fescue on growth, water use, and meristem tissue water status. Growth and water use as well as water, osmotic, and turgor potential of the leaf meristematic region were measured on tall fescue seedlings that had been exposed to several Maury soil (a fine, mixed, mesic Typic Paleudalfs) drying cycles (stressed and daily watered). Growth, measured as leaf extension rate (LER), was greater for seedlings watered to field capacity every 4th day than daily watered seedlings when soil of both treatments was allowed to dry. No significant difference in water potential or osmotic potential was observed during the experiment, and the differential LER was not dependent on turgor potential of the meristematic area which was similar to both treatments. Water use was 50 to 100% higher in control seedlings during the first 48 h of a soil drying cycle than in stressed seedlings. After several soil drying cycles the enhanced growth of stressed plants increased as high as 280%, then declined over the next 24 days of daily watering to about 50% above the control. The enhanced LER did not result in greater shoot fresh weights, but, repeated soil drying depressed root development. Consequently, growth, water status, and water use by tall fescue plants during an experiment must be evaluated in terms of the plants prior water stress history.