Effect of management factors on tiller dynamics in tall fescue: Numbers of tillers reaching reproductive maturity

Abstract

The effect of plant density (row spacing / seeding rate), cultivar choice, nitrogen (N) fertilization and close-down date on the number of reproductive tillers surviving to maturity in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) was examined over a two-year period. A low proportion of reproductive tillers survived to maturity during both seasons. Reproductive tillers surviving to maturity were mostly from the older tiller population groups. The July and August close-down dates had more (1.44±0.36 tillers) surviving reproductive tillers than the September and October close-down dates. More reproductive tillers survived to maturity in Cajun (1.36±0.5 tillers) than in Roa. Row spacing / seeding rate did not appear to influence the number of surviving reproductive tillers per quadrat. Management factors are important in affecting tall fescue seed yields, but the importance of environmental factors must not be ignored.