'Grasslands Roa' tall fescue seed production: research and practice

Abstract

Seed yields of 'Grasslands Roa' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) have ranged from 200 to 1450 kg/ha, with some hand harvested research plots producing 3600 kg/ha. Better management has increased seed yields, i.e., growing seed crops on deep, moistureretentive soils, lenient autumn and winter grazing, closing by late winter (mid July), applying 120 kg N/ha and careful harvesting techniques. Time of sowing, undersowing with barley crops, weed control and plant growth regulators are also discussed. Keywords tall fescue, seed production, Festuca arundinacea, 'Grasslands Roa'