Thomas G. Chastain
Why is lodging important in grass seed crops?
Under certain conditions, the tiller cannot support the weight of the developing inflorescence and seed. The tiller lodges or falls to the ground, especially when there are high levels of nitrogen fertilizer and soil moisture present (Fig. 1). Both conditions are common in Oregon’s commercial grass seed production fields in the spring.
Here’s a new article from our research group on the impacts of spring applied nitrogen and trinexapac-ethyl plant growth regulator (PGR) effects in perennial ryegrass and tall fescue seed crops. This article is in the current issue of Agronomy Journal and is a part of our series on PGR in grass and legume seed production. The product is marketed as Palisade, Moddus, and several generic products for lodging control in grass seed crops and legume seed crops.
Key findings of the article:
The article can be found at the link below:
Thomas G. Chastain
Grass seed crop acreages in Oregon’s Willamette Valley have varied over time. One interesting aspect of the rise and fall of grass seed crop acreages in the region is their relationship with wheat acreages in the Willamette Valley. A rise in grass seed crop acreage is mirrored by a simultaneous fall in wheat acreage and vice versa, and these trends are evident in the graphic below.
Thomas G. Chastain
The late summer and early fall period has long been thought to be critical for regrowth of the perennial ryegrass and tall fescue seed crops after harvest and for the following year’s seed yield. Extremely dry conditions during this period in the Willamette Valley can reduce stands and crop regrowth in both seed crops. There is good evidence from our research that irrigation improves the appearance of the stand (number of tillers and stand cover) going into the winter. But what about the impact of fall irrigation on seed yield in perennial ryegrass and tall fescue?
Thomas G. Chastain
The stubble and straw remaining in grass seed fields after harvesting seed is known as residue. Post-harvest residue burning has been justified on the basis of pest control and stimulation of seed yield. Public concern over air quality and the potential for adverse health impacts on the region’s residents has necessitated the identification of alternative residue management practices. Oregon legislation (SB 528) has, in effect, ended the practice of field burning in the western part of the state for most species except for the fine fescues.
Here’s a new article on spring irrigation of tall fescue seed crops published in Field Crops Research. This work was led by Krista Huettig, a former graduate student and member of my research team.
The study reports several important findings and was the first study to demonstrate that spring irrigation increases seed yield in tall fescue. Tall fescue seed yield responses to spring irrigation varied among the cultivars tested. Increased number of seed in tall fescue was most responsible for the seed yield improvement observed with spring irrigation. Strategic timing of spring irrigation to support seed filling was more important for increasing seed yield than season-long irrigation.
Click on the citation below to go to the article:
