Publication Date
1993
Description
The fungal endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones and Garn) imparts tolerance to stresses, such as drought, to tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). We conducted 3 field trials to study endophyte, seed vigour and cultivar effects on tall fescue emergence. Seven seedlots of Kentucky 31 (KY31) and 5 seedlots of Johnstone with acceptable germination, but variable vigour, were seeded at 17, 22 and 28 kg/ha at 3 dates. Increased seeding rate consistently increased seedling number. Johnstone seedlots were endophyte-free, while 5 of the 7 KY3 l seedlots were infected. Low-vigour Johnstone had fewer seedlings than low-vigour KY3 I; however, there was little difference in emergence between high-vigour seedlots of KY3 I and Johnstone. These data suggest that differences in tall fescue seedling numbers due to endophyte status or seed vigour are more readily apparent in situations involving greater environmental stress.
Citation
Collins, M; Tekorny, D M.; and Henning, J C., "Acremonium coenophialum and Cultivar Effects on Tall Fescue Seedling Vigour and Stand Establishment" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 10.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session39/10
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Acremonium coenophialum and Cultivar Effects on Tall Fescue Seedling Vigour and Stand Establishment
The fungal endophyte (Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones and Garn) imparts tolerance to stresses, such as drought, to tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). We conducted 3 field trials to study endophyte, seed vigour and cultivar effects on tall fescue emergence. Seven seedlots of Kentucky 31 (KY31) and 5 seedlots of Johnstone with acceptable germination, but variable vigour, were seeded at 17, 22 and 28 kg/ha at 3 dates. Increased seeding rate consistently increased seedling number. Johnstone seedlots were endophyte-free, while 5 of the 7 KY3 l seedlots were infected. Low-vigour Johnstone had fewer seedlings than low-vigour KY3 I; however, there was little difference in emergence between high-vigour seedlots of KY3 I and Johnstone. These data suggest that differences in tall fescue seedling numbers due to endophyte status or seed vigour are more readily apparent in situations involving greater environmental stress.
