Cool season performance of some tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) lines at Canberra, A.C.T

Abstract

Two trials to compare the seasonal and total production of a selected number of lines of tall fescue (Fescuca arundinacea) were conducted at Canberra, A.C.T., over the period 1961-1967. In the first trial 19 lines, 10 of Mediterranean and 9 of non-Mediterranean origin, were compared under replicated spaced plant conditions for two years. The yields of three Mediterranean lines C.P.I. 18948 (Algeria), 18952, and 18954 (Morocco) were significantly greater than any other line except in 1962 when C.P.I. 26996 (Scotland) and Goar's fescue (C.P.I. 27202) were as productive. In the second trial four of the most productive Mediterranean lines of tall fescue, CV. Demeter, one line of Dactylis glomerata and two lines of Phalaris tuberosa were compared in simulated sward conditions at Canberra from 1965 to 1967. In 1966, a favourable year, production in the Mediterranean tall fescues was little below that of the two phalaris lines, but in 1965 and 1967, both drought years, winter and total production were significantly less. Plant survival in the Algerian and Moroccan tall fescues was greater than in all other grasses in the trial.