‘Grasslands Roa’ tall fescue: Seedling growth and establishment

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Abstract
Germination rate, root, and shoot growth of ‘Grasslands Roa’ S170, and a wild type tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were compared with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in the glasshouse and field. There was little variation between tall fescues but S170 established slightly better than the others. Under moisture stress, the wild type was superior to the other tall fescues in germination and establishment. Ryegrass was markedly superior to all tall fescues because of much higher germination, root elongation, and tillering rates. Regrowth following defoliation of tall fescue seedlings was also much poorer than ryegrass. The physiological basis of some of these differences is discussed, together with agricultural implications on the potential use, management, and future selection of tall fescue.