Fine Fescue Germplasm Diversity and Vulnerability

Festuca spp., fine fescue turfgrasses, include several species: Festuca rubra L. rubra , strong creeping red fescue; F. rubra L. litoralis (G.F.W. Meyer) Auquier, slender creeping red fescue; F. rubra L. commutata Gaud., Chewings fescue; F. longifolia Thuill. ( F. ovina var. duriuscula L. Koch), hard fescue; F. ovina L., sheep fescue; F. ovina L. glauca Lam. ( F. glauca Lam.), blue fescue; and F. tenuifolia Sibth., hair fescue or fine‐leaved sheep fescue. Extensive variability exists within these species. Fine fescues are shade tolerant and drought resistant. Improvements sought for these species include better wear tolerance, insect and disease resistance, and sod‐forming ability. Additional germplasm for breeding may be acquired from areas of European origin and naturalized stands in the USA, such as the eastern seacoast, where initial colonization occurred. A major limitation to germplasm enhancement among species results from differences in anthesis date and time of flowering each day, as well as chromosome number. Taxonomic classification of species is disputed. Certain species, such as Sheep fescue are indigenous to the USA or may have native components, but further collection and study is needed for genomic clarification. Chromosome similarities determined by chromosome counts and flow cytometry of nuclear DNA content may determine feasible crosses leading to taxonomic clarification.