Title:

Evaluation of Diverse Kentucky Bluegrass Germplasm for Seed Production in Alternative Residue Management Systems

Objectives:

1. Evaluate phenotypic and genetic diversity in Kentucky bluegrass germplasm with a wide genetic base.

2. Determine seed production capacity of diverse germplasm in burn and alternative residue management systems while evaluating for turf potential.

Investigator:

Dr. William J. Johnston, Assistant Agronomist,
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, WSU, Pullman, WA

Cooperators:

Dr. Richard C. Johnson, Research Agronomist,
USDA/ARS Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, Pullman, WA

Dr. Robert L. Warner, Plant Physiologist
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, WSU, Pullman, WA

Mr. Matthew C. Nelson, Graduate Student,
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, WSU, Pullman, WA

Mr. Paul Peterson, WSU Cooperative Extension, Spokane Co., WA

Abstract:

Diversity within the plant introduction collection (245 accessions) and 17 commercial Kentucky bluegrasses (Poa pratensis L.) was evaluated for 17 factors including turf and forage characteristics, disease resistance, herbicide tolerance, and seed production. Field studies were conducted using a randomized complete-block design with three replications of 1.0-m rows with 0.3-m spacing. Variability was observed for all phenotypic and agronomic traits evaluated. Ward's cluster analysis was used to form a core subset of 22 accessions to represent the diversity in the whole collection for use in residue management studies. Evaluation results will be available to personnel world-wide on the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Residues management plots have been established.

Justification:

Traditionally, Kentucky bluegrass seed production management practices have included open-field burning after harvest to remove residue and stimulate seed production the following year. Field burning, however, produces smoke and particulate pollution of increasing public concern. Increased regulation, restriction, and perhaps a complete ban on burning is expected in the years to come. It is uncertain that bluegrass cultivars that maximize seed production under field burning systems will maximize production under alternative residue management systems. As these new management systems are developed, it is critical that new germplasm be identified and developed that maximizes seed production while maintaining turfgrass quality.