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BREEDING AND BLENDING *
Author(s) -
Rogers H. H.
Publication year - 1966
Publication title -
grass and forage science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.716
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1365-2494
pISSN - 0142-5242
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2494.1966.tb00455.x
Subject(s) - sowing , agronomy , biology , breeder (animal) , seed treatment , cropping , selection (genetic algorithm) , production (economics) , germination , agriculture , ecology , geography , computer science , archaeology , blanket , macroeconomics , artificial intelligence , economics
The grass breeder's approach to the problem of producing new varieties is related to factors controlling sward production. Those factors under the control of the breeder, especially plant type and management, are considered in more detail. It is argued that the methods used by the breeder produce seed of predictable performance when grown under a defined set of conditions‐climate, soil and, above all, management. The fate of this ‘improved’ seed is considered in relation to the multitude of seeds mixtures prescribed today. Large imports of seed are made annually into the U. K. but bred strains account for only a low percentage of the herbage seeds used. Some results from Cambridge trials are presented to show the effects on sward production of plant density, seed size, depth of sowing, cutting treatments and the mixing of genotypes. It is suggested that these results point to the frequent misuse of bred strains, both in blending and in the quantity of seed recommended per unit area. The future prospects for herbage breeding are discussed and some novel ideas of cropping mentioned which may, to a limited extent, supplement the use of herbage seeds.