Factors Influencing the Survival of Propagules of Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)

Summary

Propagules of 74 genotypes of tall fescue, consisting of parent and progeny groups, were grown in a glasshouse. The number of surviving propagules were determined after one month and at that time, increment weight (growth) and leaf and root weights were determined. Broad-sense heritability estimates were calculated on the whole population and on two individual parent and progeny groups. The criteria measured varied in heritability between groups, but for the 74 genotypes the values had a more limited range from 57 per cent for root weight to 70 per cent for increment weight. Capacity to survive vegetative propagation was dependent on leaf growth and not on root growth or size of propagule. Because of the variation in survival, this characteristic warrants consideration in a selection program where propagation will be utilized for commercial purposes.