Knowles hybrid bromegrass

2004 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 815-817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce Coulman

Knowles was selected from hybrid populations resulting from crosses between meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.). It has a unique array of plant characteristics, some similar to meadow bromegrass, and others more similar to smooth bromegrass. In regional trials, Knowles produced hay yields greater than meadow brome, but lower than smooth bromegrass. It was superior to smooth bromegrass in regrowth after cutting. For steer grazing performance, Knowles was equal or superior to its parental species, perhaps due to its lower fiber concentrations at vegetative growth stages. Key words: Hybrid bromegrass, Bromus riparius × Bromus inermis, cultivar description

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 745-747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce Coulman

Success hybrid bromegrass was selected from populations produced by backcrossing smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) with hybrid populations resulting from crosses between meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.) and smooth bromegrass. Success has a unique array of plant characteristics, some similar to meadow bromegrass, and others more similar to smooth bromegrass; overall, it more closely resembles smooth brome. In regional trials in the prairie provinces of western Canada, Success produced forage yields greater than meadow brome, but lower than smooth bromegrass. In the drier brown soil zone of the prairie provinces, Success was superior to both meadow and smooth bromegrass in forage yield. It was superior to smooth bromegrass in regrowth after cutting and had lower concentrations of acid-detergent fiber than meadow bromegrass. Key words: Hybrid bromegrass, Bromus riparius × Bromus inermis, cultivar description


1994 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 531-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Harrison ◽  
J. T. Romo

Regrowth and production of tillers in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) following defoliation to a 5-cm stubble height were monitored throughout the summer and in early spring the following year in central Saskatchewan. After defoliation, while smooth bromegrass was vegetative, forage began accumulating in 45–75 growingdegree-days (GDD) when moisture was favorable. Regrowth ranged from 34 to 84 g m−2. Plants also produced ≤ 51 g m−2 of regrowth when defoliated at or before culm elongation in a year with above-average precipitation. In two dry years, regrowth was minimal and plants did not regrow after defoliation in the later vegetative growth stages; however, new leaves were produced within 110–140 GDD. Following defoliation at early vegetative growth stages, 1030–1180 GDD were needed to reach maximum regrowth. Total annual production was either unaffected or reduced by defoliation. Total annual production ranged from 35 to 139 g m−2, with yields lowest when defoliated in early May or early June and highest when herbage was removed in mid-May or near flowering and seed production. When plants were defoliated during vegetative growth most tillers were produced the following spring, whereas when plants were defoliated during reproductive phases the majority of tillers emerged in the fall. The year after defoliation, the density of tillers (871–951 m−2) was not significantly different among treatments. Regrowth following defoliation cannot be related to a particular growth stage, but rather it depends on growing conditions. If smooth bromegrass is defoliated once and rested until the next year, it should be recovered by early spring and its productivity should be unaffected. Key words: Etiolated growth, forage production, grazing management, regrowth, rest requirement, tillering


2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 551-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasas S. N. Ferdinandez ◽  
Bruce E. Coulman

Three hybrid populations between meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) have been developed using recurrent selection for vigor, uniformity of growth and floret fertility. The objective of this study was to use morphological characters to characterize the three hybrid populations (S-9197, S-9073, and S-9183) and the two parental species. Tiller heights did not differ among the hybrids and the parental species. Leaf-to-stem ratio of the hybrids was intermediate to that of the parents. Tiller density, panicle density and dry matter yield of the hybrids were more similar to those of smooth bromegrass. Leaf pubescence densities of the hybrids were higher than the parental species, but pubescence lengths closely resembled meadow bromegrass. Leaf area index (LAI) of the hybrids was lower than smooth bromegrass, and resembled meadow bromegrass. Lowest brown leaf spot ratings were observed in meadow bromegrass, while the hybrids were similar to smooth bromegrass. In general, the hybrid populations showed some individual characteristics similar to each of the parental species and, thus, can be characterized as being intermediate to the parental species. Furthermore, several of the differences among the hybrid populations can be attributed to the selection criteria that were used to develop these populations. Key words: Bromus, smooth bromegrass, meadow bromegrass, hybrid bromegrass, morphological characteristics


1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 763-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Pearen ◽  
V. S. Baron

The value of smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.)–alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) mixtures for pastures in central Alberta is limited by poor seasonal distribution of yield and low alfalfa persistence. Regrowth of meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.) exceeds that of smooth bromegrass. The effect of these grasses on yield, seasonal distribution and sward composition when grown in mixtures with alfalfa was evaluated. The DM yield of binary mixtures of Carlton or Manchar smooth bromegrass, or Regar meadow bromegrass with Peace or Beaver alfalfa was examined under a four-cut system at three sites in central Alberta for 3 yr. Annual yield was similar at all sites. Alfalfa cultivar did not consistently affect yield, but annual yield of meadow bromegrass-mixtures was 9 to 19% higher than mixture containing smooth bromegrass at Lacombe. Summer and fall production of meadow bromegrass mixtures was 18 to 53% and 40 to 69% greater (P ≤ 0.0001) than smooth bromegrass mixtures. Tiller weight of smooth bromegrass equalled or exceeded that of meadow bromegrass, so superior regrowth of meadow bromegrass mixtures was due to higher tiller density. Over 3 yr, annual yield of the alfalfa component was similar in smooth bromegrass- and meadow bromegrass mixtures, but alfalfa yield decreased (P ≤ 0.0001) 43 to 70% due to dramatic declines in alfalfa stem density. Competition from the associated grass and frequent defoliation reduced alfalfa longevity. Key words: Smooth bromegrass, Bromus inermis Leyss., alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., mixtures, pasture, sward structure


2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. C. Thompson ◽  
H. A. Lardner ◽  
R. D. H. Cohen ◽  
B. E. Coulman

Producers in Saskatchewan require grazing information on new grass cultivars to improve production and quality of existing forage stands. Animal data are ultimately needed to validate the performance of these new varieties under grazed conditions. A 2-yr field experiment was conducted (2000–2001) to determine steer performance and species utilization when grazing crested wheatgrass (Agropyron pectiniforme R. & S.), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.) compared to hybrid bromegrass (Bromus riparius × Bromus inermis) pasture on an Orthic Black soil in east central Saskatchewan. Weight gain (kg d-1) was greater (P < 0.05) for steers grazing hybrid bromegrass pasture than crested wheatgrass pasture in the first year. However, in 2001, steers grazing crested wheatgrass pastures had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) than those grazing other pasture types. Total beef production (TBF) was greatest in both years (160 and 185 kg ha-1) from the hybrid bromegrass pastures. The greatest (P < 0.05) animal grazing days (AGD) were observed on hybrid bromegrass pastures. These results suggest that AC Knowles hybrid bromegrass is a suitable species for pasture use in Saskatchewan. Key words: Grazing, utilization, steer, grass pasture


2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-445
Author(s):  
C. I. Ward ◽  
H. A. Lardner ◽  
P. G. Jefferson

Ward, C. I., Lardner, H. A. and Jefferson, P. G. 2012. Short Communication: Etiolated growth of hybrid bromegrass ( Bromus inermis × B. riparius ) compared with smooth bromegrass, meadow bromegrass, crested wheatgrass and tall fescue under grazed or nongrazed conditions. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 441–445. Etiolated spring regrowth of hybrid bromegrass was compared with smooth bromegrass, meadow bromegrass, crested wheatgrass and tall fescue under beef steer (Bos taurus) grazed or nongrazed conditions in the previous season over 2 yr in 2006 and 2007. Hybrid bromegrass seeded in 2003 had greater energy reserves than old crested wheatgrass (control) and similar reserves to tall fescue and crested wheatgrass. Hybrid bromegrass can be grazed in similar systems as meadow bromegrass and be expected to maintain sufficient energy reserves for spring growth.


1995 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Pearen ◽  
V. S. Baron ◽  
I. W. Cowan

Dry matter yield of smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) - alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) mixtures is restricted by short growing seasons and poor legume persistence in the Aspen Parklands of western Canada. Meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehm.) has recently gained acceptance, but comparative information on smooth and meadow bromegrass in grass-alfalfa mixtures is unavailable. We examined DM yield of binary grass-legume mixtures containing either Carlton or Manchar smooth bromegrass or Regar meadow bromegrass with Peace or Beaver alfalfa under a two-cut hay-management system at four sites in central Alberta for 3 yr. Annual DM yield was 40% greater (P ≤ 0.0001) at sites near Lacombe (7570 kg ha−1) than at Bluffton and Vegreville (5420 kg ha−1). Dry matter yield of smooth bromegrass mixtures (8020 kg ha−1) was 20% higher (P ≤ 0.01) than that of meadow bromegrass mixtures (6690 kg ha−1) near Lacombe. Alfalfa DM yield was 2.1 times higher at Bluffton and Vegreville (2770 kg ha−1) than near Lacombe (1300 kg ha−1). Near Lacombe, alfalfa regrowth was suppressed (P ≤ 0.0001) by smooth bromegrass, which had 2.3 times larger (P < 0.001) tillers than meadow bromegrass at first cut. At Bluffton and Vegreville, DM yield of meadow bromegrass mixtures equalled or exceeded (P ≤ 0.05) that of smooth bromegrass mixtures. Although first-cut tiller weight of smooth bromegrass was 73% more (P ≤ 0.0001) than that of meadow bromegrass at Bluffton and Vegreville, tiller density of meadow bromegrass was 1.7 times greater (P ≤ 0.0001) than that of smooth bromegrass. Results indicate that smooth bromegrass mixtures were superior to meadow bromegrass mixtures for hay production at moist fertile locations, despite reduced alfalfa persistence. At drier or less fertile sites, however, DM yield of meadow bromegrass mixtures was higher than that of smooth bromegrass mixtures when weather conditions for regrowth were favourable. Key words: Bromegrass-alfalfa mixtures, hay, parklands


2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Biligetu ◽  
Bruce Coulman

Bromegrass species are important forage crops in temperate regions of world. This study compared responses of three bromegrass species to defoliation in the greenhouse and field to determine if the former could predict responses in the latter. Experiments were conducted in 2006 and 2007 in Saskatoon (52°07′N,106°38′W), Canada on meadow bromegrass (Bromus ripariusRehm.), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermisLeyss.), and hybrid bromegrass (B. ripariusX B.inermis) following defoliation to 5 cm stubble height. When defoliated at the vegetative stage, above-ground biomass was similar among the three species in the field, but meadow bromegrass produced greater above-ground biomass than smooth bromegrass in the greenhouse. When defoliated at the stem elongation stage, meadow bromegrass produced greater above-ground biomass than smooth bromegrass in both environments. In the field, for all defoliation treatments, tiller number was greatest in meadow bromegrass, intermediate in hybrid bromegrass, and least in smooth bromegrass. In the greenhouse, however, the three species did not differ in tiller number. Similar results were found for below-ground biomass. Thus, testing the effect of defoliation in the greenhouse environment did not accurately predict the effect in the field environment.


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