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Title: EVALUATION OF COOL-SEASON PERENNIAL GRASSES IN CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

Author
item VOLESKY, JERRY - ARS
item COLEMAN, SAMUEL

Submitted to: Journal of Range Management
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/10/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A study was initiated to evaluate production, quality, and phenological development of nine cool-season perennial grasses. Grasses evaluated included five wheatgrasses: 'Manska' pubescent intermediate and 'Oahe' intermediate [Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski subsp. intermedia], 'Luna' pubescent [E. intermedia subsp. barbulata (Schur) A. Love.], 'Jose' tall [E. elongata (Host) Nevski], and 'San Luis' slender [Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Schinn.]; 'Fawn' and 'Kentucky-31' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), 'Paiute' orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), and 'Lincoln' smoothbrome (Bromus inermis Leyss.). Entries were sown in 5 X 60 m plots replicated three times on 7 September 1994. Dry matter yield sampling and assessments of growth stage were made mid-month March through June and September through November, 1995. June dry matter yield was highest (P<0.05) for Luna, Manksa, Oahe, and Jose wheatgrasses and averaged d16290 kg ha-1. Yields of Paiute orchardgrass, Lincoln smoothbrome, Fawn and Kentucky-31 fescue were intermediate with an average of 10920 kg ha-1. San Luis slender wheatgrass yielded the least (6110 kg ha-1; P<0.05) of the nine entries. The fescues matured the earliest and had over 50% of their tillers in the later elongation and reproductive stages by mid-April. San Luis slender wheatgrass was the latest maturing. Individually, Paiute orchardgrass and Luna, Oahe, and Jose wheatgrass exhibited the most uniform month to month pattern of dry matter yield accumulation. This trait would simplify grazing management strategies and ensure a longer grazing period.