Effects of water and nitrogen on seed production of creeping red fescue

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 439-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. A. Fairey
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Festuca Rubra ◽  
Seed Crop ◽  
Red Fescue ◽  
Peace River ◽  
River Region ◽  
Seed Crops

In order to address a paucity of information, a study was conducted in the Peace River region of northwestern Canada to determine the effects on seed production of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra) of six water treatments [natural precipitation and 100, 125, 150, 175 and 200% of the average, cumulative, long-term precipitation (LTP) of 459 mm yr-1] in combination with four N-fertilization regimes (zero + 102, 34 + 68, 68 + 34, and 102 + zero kg ha-1 N for the first + second crops, respectively). The 2-yr seed yield exceeded 2900 kg ha-1 when N was supplied to just one of the two seed crops, viz. with 150 to 200% LTP when N was applied only to the first seed crop, and with 125 to 150% LTP when N was applied only to the second seed crop. Under the prevailing, long-term, moisture environment at the study site (100% LTP), total seed yield over two production years was greatest (2136 kg ha-1) with 68 + 34 kg ha-1 N. The effects of the water and N treatments on seed yield were not associated with the mass of root organic matter recovered after the harvest of the second seed crop. These results confirm, and begin to quantify, numerous visual observations in the Peace River region that seed yields of creeping red fescue are restricted by insufficient precipitation. Key words: Creeping red fescue, Festuca rubra, grass seed production, nitrogen fertility, water, soil moisture

Effect of shallow, rotary cultivation with vertical tines and nitrogen fertilization on the seed productivity of creeping red fescue

2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 709-719
Author(s):  
N. A. Fairey ◽  
L. P. Lefkovitch
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Yield Response ◽  
Physiological Status ◽  
Rotor Speed ◽  
Red Fescue ◽  
Time Of Application ◽  
River Region ◽  
Harvest Year ◽  
Seed Crops

A field study in the Peace River region of north-western Canada evaluated the effect of shallow rotary cultivation with vertical tines on the seed production of stands of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra). At four sites, rotary cultivation treatments (None, Low, Medium and High tine rotor speed) were applied after the harvest of the first and second seed crops, in factorial combination with the time of application of 68 kg ha-1 N fertilizer (Early fall, Late fall, and Split 1:1 early:late fall). In harvest years 2 and 3, the effect of site on seed yield per unit land area was modified by both N and rotary cultivation. In harvest year 2, seed yield at Site 1 was increased greatly by rotary cultivation, regardless of the tine rotor speed, but there was little difference among the four cultivation treatments at the other three sites. In harvest year 3, seed yield was increased with Low, Medium and High rotary cultivation to 6- to 11-fold that without rotary cultivation at Sites 1 and 2 but only to 1.4- to 2-fold at Sites 3 and 4. Seed yield response to rotary cultivation was dependent on site and year, a reflection of the physiological status of the fescue plants at each specific site. Rotary cultivation treatments may have been too detrimental to tiller growth and development for sustaining and enhancing seed yield, particularly at Sites 3 and 4 prior to harvest year 2. There was no consistent pattern of response in seed yield among the four sites to the three N treatments in either harvest year 2 or 3. Although there was a significant (P < 0.001) N × rotary cultivation interaction for seed yield in harvest year 3, the pattern among cultivation treatments was generally similar for each N treatment; compared to no cultivation, the three cultivation treatments more than doubled seed yield to 255–322 kg ha-1 with Early and Split N and increased it 4- to 6-fold to 203–288 kg ha-1 with Late N. There is some potential for rotary cultivation, but the selected treatments were generally too aggressive in suppressing tillers. Key words: Rejuvenation of creeping red fescue, mechanical rejuvenation, rotary cultivation, power-harrowing, grass seed production

Crop density and seed production of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra). 1. Yield and plant development

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 291-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. A. Fairey ◽  
L. P. Lefkovitch
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Initial Population ◽  
Festuca Rubra ◽  
Initial Population Density ◽  
Red Fescue ◽  
Clean Seed ◽  
Seed Crops

The natural growth habit of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra) involves a steady proliferation of tillers, which eventually become too dense to form seedheads. A field study was conducted to evaluate whether seed yield of fescue can be optimized for one, two or three consecutive crops by manipulating the initial population density and arrangement of plants. Individual seedling plants were transplanted at seven densities (1.6, 3.1, 6.3, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 plants m−2) and three row spacings (20, 40 and 80 cm), and characteristics of seed production were determined for 3 yr (1991–1993). Heading commenced at dates differing by 16 d in the 3 yr and was delayed by up to 7 d as density increased. Seed maturity occurred in a 7-d period in each year (15–22 July). For a single harvest, an initial density of 12–100 plants m−2 on a row spacing of 20 cm or 12–50 plants m−2 on a row spacing of 40 cm is required to optimize yield and produce about 600 kg ha−1 of clean seed. For two consecutive harvests, an initial population density of 6–25 plants m−2 on a row spacing of 20 cm or 6–50 plants m−2 on a row spacing of 40 cm is required to optimize yield and produce a total of about 800 kg ha−1 of clean seed. For producing for either 1 or 2 yr, a density of 12–25 plants m−2 on rows no wider than 40 cm is required to optimize seed yield in each year. The probability of producing a third seed crop decreases markedly as the initial plant density increases and as the row spacing decreases. It is probably uneconomic to harvest more than two consecutive seed crops with current management practices. Key words: Red fescue; Festuca rubra var. rubra, population density, plant spacing, seed production

Effects of fall dormancy of alfalfa on seed production at a northern latitude

2003 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-74
Author(s):  
D. T. Fairey ◽  
N. A. Fairey ◽  
L. P. Lefkovitch ◽  
J. A. C. Lieverse
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Western Canada ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Peace River ◽  
Northern Latitudes ◽  
River Region ◽  
Fall Dormancy ◽  
Alfalfa Varieties ◽  
Seed Crops

AbstractThe agri-climatic adaptation of an alfalfa variety in North America is categorized by its Fall Dormancy Rating (FDR1 = dormant to FDR9 = non-dormant). Presently, only relatively dormant, winter-hardy varieties (FDR1–4) are grown for seed and herbage at the northern latitudes of western Canada. However, there is considerably greater demand for seed of varieties that have FDR ≥ 4. A study was conducted in the Peace River region of north-western Canada to determine the relationship between FDR and seed production of alfalfa with FDR ≥ 4. Trials were established in each of two consecutive years with four varieties representing each of six FDR categories, FDR4–9. Growth characteristics were determined for two successive years of seed crops for each year of establishment. Seed yield (as a percentage of that for FDR4) was 84, 52, 40, 29 and 39% for FDR5 to FDR9, respectively, whereas total biomass at seed maturity was 89,73, 73, 57 and 57% for FDR5 to FDR9, respectively. Seed yield was more sensitive to changes in FDR than total biomass. Short rotations of specific alfalfa varieties with FDR ≥ 4 could be an option for seed growers in the northerly latitudes of western Canada, provided greater financial compensation is given for higher FDR varieties, and provided genetic drift can be retained within acceptable limits.

Effect of method and time of application of nitrogen fertiliser on yield and quality of seed of creeping red fescue

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 809-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. A. Fairey ◽  
L. P. Lefkovitch
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Seed Quality ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Festuca Rubra ◽  
Grass Seed ◽  
Red Fescue ◽  
Time Of Application ◽  
Vigorous Plant ◽  
Tiller Density

Six trials were conducted on commercial seed fields of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra) in the Peace region to evaluate the sensitivity of seed production to the method and time of application of N fertiliser. In each trial, 68 kg ha−1 N was applied using three methods (surface-broadcast, granular, ammonium nitrate 34-0-0; foliar/soil spray of 28-0-0 solution N; soil-injected 28-0-0 solution N) at each of three times (fall, early spring, late spring). No statistically significant (P = 0.05) interaction, or main effect, of method and time of N were revealed for seed yield, fertile tiller density or for several seed quality characteristics. Seed yield varied greatly among trials (142 to 1240 kg ha−1) and averaged 566 kg ha−1. The results indicate that there is considerable flexibility in the method and time of application of N fertiliser for seed production of creeping red fescue in the Peace region, provided it is applied before the commencement of vigorous plant growth in the spring. Key words: Creeping red fescue, Festuca rubra L., nitrogen fertility, grass seed production, grass seed quality

Control of Several Perennial Weeds in Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) Grown for Seed

1995 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 294-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Lloyd Darwent ◽  
Leonard P. Lefkovitch
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Seed Weight ◽  
Festuca Rubra ◽  
Red Fescue ◽  
Perennial Weeds ◽  
Crop Seed

In commercial fields of creeping red fescue, spring applications of sethoxydim at 500 g/ha and fluazifop-P at 250 g/ha consistently reduced the heading, and consequently the seed production, of foxtail barley and volunteer bromegrass by ≥90% without affecting crop seed yield, 100-seed wt or germination. The effectiveness of sethoxydim at 500 g/ha and fluazifop-P at 250 g/ha to reduce heading of grass weeds was not affected by tank mixing with metsulfuron at 4.5 g/ha but was reduced when tank mixed with either dicamba plus 2,4-D at 280 plus 560 g/ha or 2,4-D alone at 560 g/ha. Metsulfuron alone, or in tank mixtures with sethoxydim (500 g/ha) or fluazifop-P (250 g/ha), effectively controlled dandelion and volunteer alsike clover (probability of ≥80% control was 0.94 or more). Dicamba plus 2,4-D provided a similar level of volunteer alsike clover control but was less effective on dandelion, while 2,4-D was ineffective on both weeds. Treatments containing dicamba plus 2,4-D reduced crop seed yield and germination, and increased seed weight.

scholarly journals Effects of Plant Growth Regulators and N Rate on the Morphological Traits of Generative Tillers and Seed Yields of Chewings and Strong Creeping Red Fescue

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 65
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Szczepanek ◽  
Maciej Baczyński ◽  
Radomir Graczyk
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Plant Growth Regulators ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Growth Regulators ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Chlormequat Chloride ◽  
Red Fescue ◽  
Seed Crops

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are used as a management tool to minimize plant height and subsequent stem lodging in grass seed crops. Their efficacy is influenced not only by the method of application, but also by the management and genetic variations within and between species. This aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of PGRs on morphological traits of generative tillers and seed yield of Festuca rubra L ssp. rubra (strong creeping red fescue) and F. r. L ssp. commutata (Chewings red fescue) under low and medium doses of spring nitrogen fertilization (40 and 70 kg N ha−1). PGRs were applied as: chlormequat chloride (CCC) at BBCH 30–31; CCC at BBCH 30–31 + ethephon (ET) at BBCH 37–39; CCC at BBCH 30–31 + trinexapac-ethyl (TE) at BBCH 37–39. All the application methods of PGRs resulted in the shortening of the second internode, and the sequential application of CCC with ET or TE also resulted in the shortening of the third internode. In each PGR treatment, the lodging index in the plant (canopy height to tiller length ratio) was higher than that of the control. PGRs had a beneficial effect on the seed yield. The greatest increase in the seed yield was recorded after the application of CCC+TE. No interaction between PGRs and spring N fertilization rates on the seed yield of red fescue. The increase in the dose of spring nitrogen fertilizer from 40 to 70 kg N ha−1 resulted in a significant increase in yield. Seed yield of chewing red fescue cv. Dorosa was 29% higher than strong creeping red fescue cv. Nista, mainly due to an increase in the number of generative tillers.

scholarly journals Performance of Field Pea and Lentil When Intercropped with Faba Bean and Chickpea in the Peace River Region of Alberta, Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Kabal Singh Gill ◽  
Darcy Boisvert
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Faba Bean ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Field Pea ◽  
Research Information ◽  
Peace River ◽  
River Region ◽  
Tropical Areas ◽  
Total Seed

Research information concerning intercropping legumes with non-legumes for seed production is extensively available, but concerning legume-legume intercropping is from tropical areas only. Field pea and lentil tend to lodge as they reach maturity and this can result in harvesting difficulties as well as reduced seed yield and quality. The objectives of this study were to assess crop response and seed production when field pea (Pisum staivum L.) and lentil (Lens culinaris Medic.) were intercropped with lodging resistant faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), in the Peace River region of Alberta, Canada. The combinations of lentil+faba bean, lentil+chickpea, field pea+faba bean and field pea+chickpea intercrops; and their sole crops were tested in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Seeding rates were either 75 or 100% of lentil and field pea; and either 50 or 75% of faba bean and chickpea for intercrops; and 100% for sole crops. Compared to the seed rates in the intercrops, the plant counts were similar or slightly lower for lentil and field pea sole crops, while they were similar or lower for faba bean and chickpea sole crops. Plant height of lentil and field pea was similar in sole crops and intercrops, while faba bean and chickpea were stunted in some intercrop treatments. There was reduced lodging of lentil and field pea in the intercrops compared to sole crops in 2016 and 2017, which could provide better harvesting conditions. Compared to sole crops, the seed yield and land equivalent ratio (LER) of individual crops in the intercropping treatments were similar or slightly lower than the seeding rates for lentil and field pea, while they were similar or noticeably lower for faba bean and chickpea. There was very little gain in the total seed yield and total LER values from the intercrops in 2015, due to very dry weather conditions. However with adequate rain in 2016 and 2017, the lentil intercrops provided greater total seed yield and total LER than the sole crops, but the gains in the total seed yield and total LER from the field pea intercrops over the sole field pea were small and not consistent. Overall, the results indicate a potential for improving seed yield and total LER over the sole crops of lentil by intercropping with faba bean and chickpea.

Effect of seeding rate on seed production of perennial ryegrass after establishment with a grain companion crop in the Peace River region of north-western Canada

2001 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. A. Fairey ◽  
L. P. Lefkovitch
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Seed Weight ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Grass Seed ◽  
Peace River ◽  
River Region ◽  
Companion Crop ◽  
Viable Seeds

A field study in the Peace River region of north-western Canada evaluated the effect of seeding rate on the seed yield and quality of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in the year after establishment with a grain companion crop. Each of two sites was sown with 70 kg ha–1 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and under-sown, in 30-cm rows, with three cultivars (All*Star, Barclay and Repell) of diploid perennial ryegrass at seeding rates of 150, 300, 600, 1200, 2400 and 4800 viable seeds m–2. During the establishment year of the perennial ryegrass, the grain yield of the barley companion crop was comparable to commercial yields for the region. Time of seed maturity, seed yield and thousand-seed weight of perennial ryegrass were not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by the seeding rate, but were by cultivar. There was a significant (P ≤ 0.01) seeding rate × cultivar interaction for fertile tiller density and specific seed weight. Seed dockage differed significantly (P ≤ 0.001) among cultivars (16.7–27.9%) and increased with seeding rate (19.8–24.2%), and the germination capacity of the harvested seed was unaffected by seeding rate or cultivar. Grass seed yield was positively associated with fertile tiller density for each cultivar (r = 0.454***, n = 72 for All*Star; r = 0.364***, n = 72 for Repell; and r = 0.719***, n = 72 for Barclay). Compared with the other cultivars, Barclay matured 13 –15d later, had the lowest density of fertile tillers (1330 m–2), the highest seed dockage (27.9%) and the lowest seed yield (345 kg ha–1). All*Star had the highest seed yield (774 kg ha–1), the lowest seed dockage (16.7%), and the highest thousand-seed weight (1.55g). Repell was intermediate in seed yield (633 kg ha–1) but similar to All*Star, rather than Barclay, in other characteristics. The later maturity, creeping habit and prostrate stature of Barclay may have reduced its ability to produce fertile tillers and seed as efficiently as the other two cultivars at this northern latitude. In the Peace River region, there is potential for under-seeding a spring grain crop with perennial ryegrass for the production of successive harvests of grain and grass seed, provided the cultivar of perennial ryegrass is adequately adapted for seed production. The seeding rate for the perennial ryegrass is not particularly critical and 150–300 viable seeds m–2 should be adequate for diploid perennial ryegrass grown in rows with a grain companion crop. Key words: Perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne L., grass seed production, grass seed quality, seeding rate, grain companion crop

Cultivar-specific management for seed production of creeping red fescue

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 1099-1105 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. A. Fairey
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Festuca Rubra ◽  
Harvest Management ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
Red Fescue ◽  
Residue Removal ◽  
Seed Harvest ◽  
Total Seed ◽  
Specific Management

A study was conducted in the Peace River region of north-western Canada with three cultivars (Boreal, Jasper, Jasper E) of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra) to identify cultivar-specific management practices for seed production. Experimental treatments included four methods of establishment [Broadcast; 30-cm rows; 15-cm rows; 15-cm rows with sulfur (56 kg ha-1 SulFer 0-0-0-95)], 10 nitrogen (N as 34-0-0) fertilizer treatments, and three methods of post-harvest management prior to winter (flail mowing and residue removal; disc mowing and residue removal; short-duration, intensive grazing with sheep) plus crop residue removal at seed harvest. Total seed yield over 2 consecutive production years was greatest with 30-cm rows although a higher first-year yield was realized with 15-cm rows. In the first production year, establishment in rows produced higher seed yield than broadcasting but, in the second, the converse was true. Within-row supplementation with sulfur decreased the total seed yield over 2 yr by 7%. In the first, second and combined production years, Boreal produced 655, 372 and 1027 kg ha-1, respectively; for the corresponding production years, Jasper produced 56, 65 and 60% of Boreal, while Jasper E produced 58, 76 and 65% of Boreal. The endophyte (Neotyphodium spp. Glenn, Bacon, Price & Hanlin and Epichloe festucae Leuchtm., Schardl, & Siegel) infection of Jasper E had no consistent beneficial or detrimental effects on seed yield. For the year subsequent to the application of the post-harvest treatments, the effects of flail and disc mowing were similar (360 versus 347 kg ha-1 seed, respectively), whereas grazing reduced seed yield to 188 kg ha-1. Splitting the application of N in fall and spring resulted in similar seed yields to fall-only N. The response to N fertilizer differed for consecutive years of production; in the first production year, seed yield increased linearly over the range 38–114 kg ha-1 N, whereas in the second production year, rates in excess of 76 kg ha-1 N markedly suppressed seed yield. A fall application of 55–80 kg ha-1 N in the establishment year, and again after the seed harvest of the first production year, was sufficient to maximize the total seed yield over 2 consecutive production years. Cultivar-specific responses in seed yield to treatment interactions were too small for agronomic exploitation. Key words: Creeping red fescue, Festuca rubra, grass seed production, cultivar-specific management, establishment method, nitrogen fertility, post-harvest management

STUDIES WITH FERTILIZED PASTURES ON A HEAVY TEXTURED SOIL IN NORTHERN ALBERTA

1961 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Elliott ◽  
C. H. Anderson ◽  
B. D. Owen
Keyword(s):  
Ammonium Nitrate ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Ammonium Phosphate ◽  
Red Fescue ◽  
Peace River ◽  
River Region ◽  
Northern Alberta

Yields of herbage, animal gains, carrying capacity and TDN production were determined for three pasture swards grown on a Grey Wooded soil (Albright-Hythe series) in the Peace River region of northern Alberta over the period 1953 to 1956 inclusive. Sheep were used as grazing units. Fertilizer treatments of nil, ammonium phosphate (11-48-0) at 300 pounds per acre and ammonium nitrate (33-0-0) at 100 pounds per acre were applied annually to pastures of creeping red fescue, creeping red fescue-alfalfa and bromegrass-alfalfa.Productivity obtained with unfertilized grass-legume mixtures was almost double that for unfertilized grass grown alone. Increased production attributable to alfalfa was also obtained, although to a lesser degree, where fertilizers were used. Pastures of creeping red fescue seeded alone and with alfalfa responded markedly to applications of nitrogen while responses to phosphorus were negligible. Conversely, bromegrass-alfalfa pastures responded strongly to applications of phosphorus and only slightly to nitrogen.

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