• TABLE OF CONTENTS
HIDE
 Historic note
 Main














Group Title: Ryegrass forage production at Ona and Immokalee.
Title: Ryegrass forage production at Ona and Immokalee. 1976-77
ALL VOLUMES CITATION THUMBNAILS PAGE IMAGE ZOOMABLE
Full Citation
STANDARD VIEW MARC VIEW
Permanent Link: http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UF00075788/00002
 Material Information
Title: Ryegrass forage production at Ona and Immokalee. 1976-77
Series Title: Ryegrass forage production at Ona and Immokalee.
Translated Title: Research Report - University of Florida Agricultural Research Center ; 1977-8 ( English )
Physical Description: Serial
Language: English
Creator: Kalmbacher, R. S.
Mislevy, P.
Everett, P. H.
Publisher: University of Florida Agricultural Research Center
Publication Date: 1977
 Record Information
Bibliographic ID: UF00075788
Volume ID: VID00002
Source Institution: University of Florida
Rights Management: All rights reserved by the source institution and holding location.
Resource Identifier: oclc - 143646831

Table of Contents
    Historic note
        Historic note
    Main
        Page 1
        Page 2
        Page 3
        Page 4
        Page 5
        Page 6
        Page 7
        Page 8
        Page 9
Full Text





HISTORIC NOTE


The publications in this collection do
not reflect current scientific knowledge
or recommendations. These texts
represent the historic publishing
record of the Institute for Food and
Agricultural Sciences and should be
used only to trace the historic work of
the Institute and its staff. Current IFAS
research may be found on the
Electronic Data Information Source
(EDIS)

site maintained by the Florida
Cooperative Extension Service.






Copyright 2005, Board of Trustees, University
of Florida







^7~hi t^ ~TUBRAH
Agricultural Research Center JUL 1 978 *
SResearch Report RC-1977-8 j 0 Sept mber 1977

1.F.A.S.- Univ. of Florida

RYEGRASS FORAGE PRODUCTION AT ONA AND IMMOKALEE: 1976-77

R. S. Kalmbacher, P. Mislevy, P. H. Everett

K. M- Veigh and G. Prine-

Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is of economic importance during
the cooler winter months of south-central Florida. Ryegrass, seeded alone or
in a perennial grass sod, provides high quality forage which is quick to estab-
lish. Cultivated areas seeded to pure stands of ryegrass can be grazed within
2 months after seeding, and grazing may extend for 120 days. Ryegrass responds
well to nitrogen fertilization, which leads to more rapid growth, higher crude
protein, lower crude fiber, and improved digestibility.

Since new ryegrass varieties are continually being released from public
and private sources it is important that these varieties be tested under south-
central Florida conditions. In this investigation several ryegrass varieties
were evaluated for dry matter yield seasonal forage distribution, disease
resistance, and persistence at the Ona and Immokalee Agricultural Research
Centers.

Experimental Procedure

Eleven ryegrass varieties were seeded at the Ona Agricultural Research
Center (ARC) and eight were seeded at the Immokalee ARC. The field plot layout
consisted of 4 replications of a randomized complete block design. An additional
9 experimental ryegrass varieties and one field bromegrass (Bromus species) were
evaluated in an unreplicated trial at Immokalee.

Ryegrasses were sown on November 11, 1976 at the Ona ARC, and November 18,
1976.at the Immokalee ARC. An additional plot of 'Gulf' ryegrass was sown on
January 7, 1977 to determine the effect on total yield. Seeding rates were 20
lb/A at both locations. Prior to seeding, plots at Ona were fertilized with
550 lb/A of 0-10-29,analysis fertilizer. At Immokalee 630 Ib/A of 0-10-20 plus
25 lb/A of FTE 503= was applied. Fifty pounds of nitrogen (N) was applied 13
days after seeding at Ona and 15 days after seeding at Immokalee.

1/ Assistant and Associate Professors, Ona, ARC; Professor, Immokalee, ARC;
Assistant Professor, Quincy, AREC; Professor, Department of Agronomy,
Gainesville.
2/ FTE 503 = 18.0% Iron; 7.0% Zinc; 7.5% Manganese; 3.0% Copper; 3.0% Boron;
0.2% Molybdenum.













The experiment at Ona received 17.7 inches of water applied with an over-head
irrigation system. Of the total water applied on the Ona study only 8.6 inches
was required for the first 5 harvests (April 14). An additional 9.1 inches of
water was applied from April 14 to May 23. At Immokalee seepage irrigation was
available, but due to unusual rainfall the experiment was not watered during
the entire 140 days of the experiment.

Ryegrasses were harvested times at Ona and 5 times at Immokalee. The
initial and subsequent harvests were made when the grass attained 9-12". The
initial harvest at Ona occurred 41 days after seeding, and at Immokalee first
harvest was 47 days after seeding. Subsequent harvests were made at 21 to 30
day intervals.

Results and Discussion

Total dry matter yield of ryegrass grown at Ona (Table 1) ranged from a
high of 4.83 T/A for 'Asso' to a low of 4.11 T/A produced by Van der Have
'HV 102'. The difference between the high and low total dry matter yield after
7 harvests was only 0.72 T/A.

Harvest 1 was removed on December 22, 1976 41 days after seeding, and averaged
a height of 8.2 inches (Table 2). Yields at the initial harvest were low, aver-
aging only 0.2 T/A, with 'Asso' being the highest. At harvest 2, dry matter yields
averaged about 0.5 T/A with 'Gulf' contributing the highest yield. 'Gulf' again
produced the highest yield (0.75 T/A) at harvest 3. This yield was produced in
spite of a low temperature of 19 F on January 19. This freeze had no measurable
effect on any ryegrass entry tested at Ona. On March 14 harvest 4 was removed
with the'Florida experimental 1976 B' producing the highest yield (1.17 T/A).
Average plant height for all entries at this harvest was 16.0 inches (Table 2).
Yields continued to increase until mid-April as indicated by the 1.48 T/A
produced by 'Asso' in harvest 5 (Table 1). One reason for higher dry matter yields
and higher dry matter percentage (19.2) was due to the physiological stage of
maturity. Many of the ryegrass entries including 'Asso' had headed by the time
of the mid-April harvest. All ryegrass entries with the exception 'NAPB R0029'
were full of rust (Puccinia spp.) at the time of harvest 5.

Generally, after the April harvest ryegrass died, however, in 1977 all
entries continued to produce forage until June 15 (Harvest 7). 'Tetralite'
(Lolium hybridum) produced the highest yield at harvest 6 (0.85 T/A) and harvest
7 (0.28 T/A). At harvest 6 rust was quite prevalent on some varieties and practi-
cally non-existant on others (Table 2). Varieties with very little rust were
'Asso', 'Fla. 1976 B', 'Tetrablend 444', 'Tetralite', 'Gulf', 'Fla. 1976 S',
'NAPB R0018', while 'IV 102' and 'Meritra' contained the highest percentage of
rust. The morphological leaf characteristic of the two Fla. experimental entries,
may be partially responsible for the low incidence of rust. Regardless of
plant height the leaf blade tips remain in a vertical position, which may allow
for a faster moisture evaporation within the award and less rust.












At Immokalee ARC total dry matter yield averaged 2.33 T/A, and there were
no significant differences in total yield among the 8 ryegrass varieties grown
in the replicated trial, (Table 3). Total yields ranged from 2.49 tons per
acre with the entry 'Asso', to 2.17 produced by 'Tetralite'. At harvest 1
'Asso' and 'Billion' were significantly higher in production with 0.34 and 0.28
T/A of dry matter, respectively. At harvest 2 'Asso', 'Billion' and 'Meritra'
were higher producing with 0.48, 0.44 and 0.46 T/A, respectively. The third
harvest was the last harvest where significant yield differences occurred. Then
'Asso', 'Billion', 'Gulf' and 'Charleston Annual' were higher with 0.57, 0.55
0.59 and 0.55 T/A of dry matter produced, respectively.

Distribution of forage throughout the season was not uniform. Dry matter
yield reached a peak at harvest 4 (March 11) when the 8 varieties averaged
0.73 T/A (Table 3). After mid-March ryegrass entries started to die out due
to maturity, warm weather and drought. Percent dry matter after the March 11
harvest jumped to 40,3 at the fifth and final harvest.

All ryegrass entries at Immokalee were remarkably disease free during the
1976-77 season. All entries remained essentially vegetative until mid-April.

The January 7 seeded 'Gulf' ryegrass yielded a :otalofl.26 T/A after only 3
harvests. The 2-18; 3-11; and 4-7 harvests averaged 0.22, 0.73, 0.31 T/A,
respectively. Ranchers or dairymen experiencing a cool, wet winter may decide
to take advantage of these unusual conditions by making late seedings of ryegrass.
This is not recommended, as ryegrass will still require the 40-50 days for
establishment and will still die out at the same time (mid-April) due to
unfavorable spring conditions.

The yields from the 10 unreplicated ryegrass varieties and Bromus entry
were comparable with those from the replicated trial. However, since they
were unreplicated, no statistical comparisons can be made. Total yield
averaged 2.04 T/A (Table 4). Two higher yielding varieties were 'Tetrone 444'
and 'Furore 2X', each producing 2.55 and 2.37 T/A, respectively. Again, forage
production was distributed unevenly during the growing season, and yields reached
a peak at an average 0.66 T/A at harvest 4 (March 11).

Morphologically the Bromus species (SCS F6390) was more similar
to a small grain than a ryegrass. At the February 18 harvest its apical meristem
had elevated 2-3 inches above the soil surface. At this time it was producing
abundant tillers which added substantially to the increase in yield at the
subsequent March 11 harvest.

Conclusions

Significant differences were observed among the 11 ryegrass entries
tested at Ona. Total seasonal dry matter yield ranged from a high of 4.83 T/A
for 'Asso' to a low of 4.11 T/A for 'HV 102'. These data indicate that only
0.72 T/A separate the highest from the lowest yield over 7 harvests.









4


However, one point to consider when selecting ryegrass varieties, is the
high rust content (10%) found on 'Meritra', 'R0029', 'Billion' and 'HV 102'
at harvest 6.

There were no significant differences in total dry matter yield of 8
ryegrass varieties grown at Immokalee ARC. Significance did exist among several
entries at harvest 1, 2 and 3.

Several experimental entries placed in an unreplicated experiment appear
to have some adaptability and may warrant further research.

Good quality, high yielding ryegrass forage can be produced at Ona and
Immokalee with proper irrigation, fertilization and management.









Table


production


of ryegrass


varieties


grown at


ARC,


1976-


----------S- -~


1 I/) 67C


1/1 7/77


9/1R/77


Harvest
;~, i, II1


31141/ 77


4/14/111


.L L I. / S* f- *- rt -- t .. ...


Brano-varle Ly -


Asso
1976


Meritra


Tetrablend
Tetralite


Gulf


NAPB


0.22


a-c


16 de


c-e


0.17
0.23


ku029t


1976


NAPB


R0018
Billion


a-c


0.25 ab


0.15
0.24
0.21


HV 10


. .- -


Average


Yield


0.54

0.50
0.48


0.50 ab


0.37


0.60 a


0.47
0.52
0.41
0.47


0.40 ab


0.48


a-c


a-c


0.68

0.72
0.69
0.71

0.56

0.75


0.70 ab


0.77
0.73


.96 be


0.93
0.89


a-c


0.90


98 bc


24 b-d


80 ab
66 b-e


0.85
0.60


c-e


0.59 de


.13 c&

.20 d


0.15


.11 d

.12 d


c-e


.00 bc


0.65

0.67


a-c


a-c


.09 de

.07 de


0.88


0.68


a-c


0.75

0.76
0.71


% Dry matter
at harvest


12.2


13.3


Experimental,


seed


not available.


Means


within a


column


followed


the same


letter


are not significantly different


according


to Duncan


s LSD


K=100.


Brand
Fla.
NAPB


abbreviations


- Florida Agricultural


- North American


VH Van


- Helena


Plant


Have.


Experiment
Breeders.


Station.


Date


seeded


Seeding rate:


Fertiliz


a tion


November
20 lb/A


1976


lb/A


50 ibs


50 lb N/A


after


after


IIAPB


NAPB


7


b


e


I


L-__ II II- ---I





7 7/21/5


)


\
^


Forage


I


*











Table


Agronomic


characteristics


ryegrass


varieties


grown at


Ona.


1976-


Harves t

i (12-22) 2 (1-17) 3 (2-18)


Plant


Brand


NAPB


NAPB


Var i
Asso
1976


Meri tra


Tetrablend444A


ht. (in.


Staged


Rust
(%)


Plant
ht. (in.


Rus t


Stage


Plant
ht.(in


Rust


Stage


11.0
10.8
10.1
8.8
10.6


Tetralite


Gulf


TAPB
Fla
NAPB


Plant
ht. in


14.5
16.5


R0029T


1976
R001


11.0
10.0


Billion
HV 1021'


10.8


erimen'ca


, seed


not available.


t Physiologi


vege


stage


at harvest;


V-vegetative,


H-heading,


M-mixed


some


plants


heading,


somE


tative


No observation


on rust and


physiological


stage were


recorded


for harvest


-15-77)


Brand
Fla.
NAPB


abbrevia tions


- Floridia


- North


agricultural


Americ


experiment


stati


an Plant Breeders


VH Van


K Nor thrup
H HeLena


Have


King


, I












Table


. Continued


Harvest


_5 4-l14
__ ~* .1 __


Plant


Rust


(5-12)


Plant


Rust


_7 (6-15)


Plant


Brand


NAPB
Fla
NAPB


Variety


Asso
1976
Meri


ht. (in. Sta ge


15 0
15.0
15.0


Tetrablend
Tetralite


ht.(in.


16.2
14.8
12,8
12.8
13.0


ht.tin.) Stage


Gulf


NAPB


R00291'


13 0


13.2


1976


NAPB


R0018+
Billion
HV 102"


12.2
12.8


12.0
13.0


......... us Ill


Stage


(.)










Table


Forage


production of ryegrass


varieties


grown at


the ARC


mnmo


1976-77


Harves t


Brand


Variety


1/4 1/28


2/28 3/11 4/7


Total


- - Dry ma


ter T/A


Billion


Charle


Gulf
Magn


ston


annual


olia


Tetrablend
Tetralite


NAPB
NAPB


Meritra


Asso


0.28 ab
0.12 d
0.23 bc
0.25 be
0.25 bc


0.21


.23 bc


0.34


0.44


0.33 d


0.40
0.40
0.40
0.36
0.46


0.48 a


0.55
0.55
0.59
0.47
0.45
9.43
0.52
0.57


0.71
0.75
0.78


0.69


0.71


0.49
0.48
0.44
0.44


0.38 a


0.47


0.36 a


0.39


Average


yield


Dry matter


0.24


at harvest


0.41
12.9


0.51


0.73


0.43
40.3


Means


within


columns


followed


same


letter


are not


significantly


different.


Duncan


s LSD


K=100


Brand


abbreviations:


NAPB


- North American Plant


Breeders.


- Helena


iK Northrup


King.


Date


seeded


feeding


rate:


November
20 Ibs/A


1976.


Fertilization:


630 lbs/A


0-10


-20 + 25 Ibs/A


FTE 503


at seeding,


50 Ibs/A


15 da


after


seeding.


50 Ibs/


N after


each harvest









Table 4.


Forage


production


of non-replicated


experimental


ryegrass


varieties


ARC-Immokal 1


lHarvest


Brand


Variety


1 2


- - -Dry matter


3 4 5


yield


Total


T/A-


Tetrone
Furore


NAPB


Ninak
R0029


0.27
0.24


0.29


Urbana


1976


HV 102


NAPB


R0018
Vital


0.30


1976


F6390t-


0.30
0.44
0.47
0.36
0.36


0.21


0.39
0.32
0.22
0.31
0.27


0.77


3.47


).42
0.39
0.40
0.47
0,39
0.46
0.31
).43


0.65
0.64
0.54
0.54
0.67
0.60
0.57


0.43
0.46
0.48


0.26


Avera


yield


0.23


0.34


0.46


0.37


2.04


sCS F639C


* Experimental


a Bromus
varieties


species


seed


not available


Brand


abbreviations:


VH Van


IAPB
Flori


Have


- North American Plant Br
da Florida Agricultural


- U.S. Soil


Conservation


S


eeders


Ex: erimnen t
service


Date seeded


Seeding rate:
Fertilization:


station


November


20 Ibs/A.
630 Ibs/A


at seeding.


seeding.


1976


0-10


50 ibs/A


50 lbs/A


aft


2




University of Florida Home Page
© 2004 - 2010 University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries.
All rights reserved.

Acceptable Use, Copyright, and Disclaimer Statement
Last updated October 10, 2010 - - mvs