In a normal breeding programme a large number of progenies have to be tested, and it is essential to devise a suitable technique for evaluating breeding material sometimes of only a few seeds. The earlier selection work was based on spaced plants free from inter-and intraspecific competition, conditions which are remote from those under which the plant has to survive in farm practice. The two main objects in this study were to determine how far the results obtained under spaced plant culture are in agreement with those from broadcast plots and sown drills, and to assess the effect of the companion grass on yield of lucerne in mixtures.

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The effect of plant density (row spacing / seeding rate), cultivar choice, nitrogen (N) fertilization and close-down date on tiller mortality in a dual purpose (forage and seed) tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) sward was examined over a two-year period. Cajun had a consistently lower (P<0.01) tiller mortality than Roa in both seasons. An increase in row spacing or a decrease in seeding rate reduced (P<0.01) tiller mortality. Tiller mortality increased with increased levels of N-fertilization. A relation between tiller age (time of origin) and mortality was identified. The youngest or least developed tillers were found to be less tolerant of stressful conditions than the older or better developed tillers. Tiller mortality was also shown to increase dramatically in spring, irrespective of the type of management applied.