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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #269171
Title: Experimental tall fescue population

Author
item Kindiger, Bryan

Submitted to: Grazinglands Research Laboratory Miscellaneous Publication
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/8/2011
Publication Date: 6/8/2011
Citation: Kindiger, B.K. 2011. Experimental tall fescue population. Lane Agricultural Center Field Day, Research and Extension Projects Report. pg. 7.

Interpretive Summary: A perennial tall fescue population that has been selected for tolerance to the environmental extremes of the Southern Plains Region and does not possess an endophyte is undergoing selection and observation at the Oklahoma State University, Wes Watkins Agriculture Research and Extension Center for adaptation to southern Oklahoma. Forage performance trials conducted with this population in 2009, 2010 and 2011 indicate competitive yield and high levels of tolerance to drought and heat. Individual plant selections from within this population will be valuable to breeders involved in the development of superior, endophyte free tall fescue cultivars.

Technical Abstract: The objective of this research is to determine the stress tolerance, seed productivity and forage productivity of an endophyte free (non toxic), experimental tall fescue population generated by a gamete selection approach. This approach has successfully been applied in breeding of other crop species, but has not been attempted in tall fescue. Selection for tolerance to stress and drought were applied during the approach. In addition, enhanced heterosis and hybrid vigor, generated by crossing selected lines is anticipated. Seed harvested from this plot will be recycled through the selection process. The end result of this research is the expectation of a productive; highly stress tolerant tall fescue cultivar. 2009, 2010, 2011 Forage Performance trials conducted with the USDA-ARS and Barenbrug Seeds, Inc., in Oklahoma, Alabama, Oregon and Australia indicate this material has wide adaptation and competitive performance to commercial tall fescue checks containing both novel and traditional endophytes.