The relation between yield and the reproductive phase in cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) in a winter rainfall environment

Abstract

Studies were made of six genotypes of Dactylis glomerata grown in defoliated clonal swards in the Mediterranean-type environment of southern Australia. Differences between genotypes in timing of reproductive phase stem elongation was the main cause of yield differences for 5 months of the growing season. This latter period compares with the 3–4 weeks for differentiation of ecotypes found in northern temperate regions, and is a result of the winter growing season and lower latitude. High yields were obtained under midwinter conditions from early genotypes. The yield of late genotypes was affected by moisture stress in the spring of some years, and their production was very erratic from year to year. The ranking of the genotypes was affected by the date of the previous harvest. Initiation of reproductive buds was variable between genotypes, and some genotypes carried initiated buds throughout the year.