Yields of Forage and Seed of Certain Typical Bromegrass Strains Grown in Different Row Spacings

Considerable emphasis has been placed on seed production of bromegrass. Tests at Lincoln, Nebraska, have shown that distinct differences in plant type and yields of bromegrass exist between strains of different origin. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the performance of strains representing different types of bromegrass. An attempt was made to answer the questions of the grower and the plant breeder as to the width of row spacing best suited for the production of forage and seed and to determine with this study the most accurate methods of evaluating bromegrass breeding material. Six strains of bromegrass, three of northern type and three of southern type, were grown in five different row spacings at two stations at Lincoln, Nebraska, during 1945 and 1946. Yield of forage and seed were obtained for both years. The combined data of all planting stations indicate that the highest average yields for all strains of bromegrass were obtained in the 21-inch and 42-inch spacings. Yields (forage) of southern strains were significantly higher than those of the northern strains in both years. However, seed yields of northern type were nearly equal to those of the southern type in both years. Advisor: L. C. Newel