Spring Irrigation Management of Perennial Ryegrass Seed Production. (4620)
Authors:
C.M. King* - Oregon State University T.G. Chastain - Oregon State University C.J. Garbacik - Oregon State University W.C. Young III - Oregon State University
Abstract:
Introduction of later-maturing perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars exposes plants to drought conditions during reproductive development. Little is known about irrigation in perennial ryegrass seed production. Three treatments were applied on 6 cultivars of perennial ryegrass in 2003 to investigate spring irrigation management of perennial ryegrass seed crops. The treatments were: i.
non-irrigated control, ii. a series of irrigation applications to fill soil profile once, iii. irrigation as needed to maintain soil water above 50 mm deficit from field capacity. All irrigation was applied with a Pierce Acre-Master® liner irrigation system. Soil moisture was monitored using time domain reflectometry probes. Seed yield, seed yield components, and fall regrowth were measured to determine the effect of irrigation. In 2003, 10 cm of irrigation was applied to treatment two, 13 cm to treatment three. A 17% yield increase equivalent to 345 kg/ha was observed in treatment two. Treatment 3 resulted in a 21% yield increase equivalent to 464 kg/ha. Yield was increased most directly through increases in seed weight and number. Fall regrowth was not affected by irrigation. This study provided
substantial evidence that spring irrigation has the capacity to increase seed yield of perennial ryegrass.
Speaker Information: Craig King, Oregon State University, 9730 Hultman Rd, Independence, OR 97351; Phone: 5035805914; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Tuesday, November 2, 2004, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Presentation Start: 1:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 0830)
Keywords: Irrigation; Management; Seed; Production
