Response of Fine Fescue Cultivars to Residue Management Practices in the Willamette Valley. (6573)
Authors:
D.D. Schumacher* - Oregon State University T.G. Chastain - Oregon State Univ.
C.J. Garbacik - Oregon State Univ.
W.C. Young III - Oregon State Univ.
Abstract:
Historic residue management practices of fine fescue seed production has mainly consisted of field burning of full straw load. Field burning has correlated with acceptable subsequent crop yield in three commercially produced fine fescue species [Chewing's Fescue (F. rubra ssp. commutata Gaud.), creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. Rubra), and slender red fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. littoralis (Meyer) Auquier)]. Our research focused on examining the influence of economic crop yield to thermal versus non-thermal methods. Four cultivars of Chewing's, creeping red, and two slender red fescues were selected. Residue management strategies conducted include removal of straw by: (i) field burning;
(ii) bale, flail low; and (iii) bale, flail high. Seed yield components were measured to observe differences in tiller weight, fertile tiller number, spikelets per panicle, florets per spikelet, panicle length, and seed yield in each cultivar and treatment. Evidence shows burning increased seed yield in all 3 species and cultivars. However, flail low non-thermal methods show adequate yields in all
chewing's fescue and one slender red fescue cultivar. In contrast, results indicate poor yields in creeping red fescue. This study provided substantial evidence that thermal residue management has potential to maintain or increase subsequent crop year fine fescue economic seed yield.
Speaker Information: Derek Schumacher, Oregon State University, P.O. Box 336, Sublimity, OR 97385;
Phone: 503-991-0304; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Tuesday, November 2, 2004, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Presentation Start: 1:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 0833)
Keywords: Residue Management; Seed Yield Components; Festuca rubra; carbohydrate storage