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.

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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.