ROOT PRODUCTIVITY AND SEED PRODUCTION IN COOL-SEASON GRASSES

C.J. Garbacik, T.G. Chastain, W.C. Young III, and T.B. Silberstein
Crop Science Bldg. 107, Dept. of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 97330, USA

Root productivity effects on flowering and seed yield was studied over a 3 year period in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), Chewings fescue (F. rubra var. commutata Gaud.), and creeping red fescue (F. rubra var. rubra L.). Root biomass was greater in narrow row spacings than in wider row spacings. Root biomass increased as stands aged in all species tested. Shallow root biomass density was related to seed yield in creeping red fescue. Chewings fescue, and perennial ryegrass, but not in tall fescue.