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Relationship of Leaf Photosynthesis to Forage Yield of Tall Fescue¹

Genetic variation exists for leaf photosynthesis in tall rescue (Festuca arundinacea, Schreb.), but little information exists on its relationship to forage yield. Therefore, net carbon exchange (NCE) of leaves of tall rescue genotypes was measured in the field during regrowth stages and compared to forage yield of the swards in the subsequeut harvest. Genetic variation existed for both yield and NCE on a leaf area basis, but no consistent relationship between these characters was found. Both NCE and forage yield were increased by irrigation during drought. Correlations between NCE and yield also tended to change from positive to negative with irrigation. Although NCE on a single leaf basis is a primary component of forage yield, other factors such as a environmental stress, canopy shape, and dry matter distribution will need to be considered if NCE is to be included in an effective selection index for improvement of forage yield.

Key Words: Festuca arundinacea Schreb. • Net carbon exchange • Water stress • Grass breeding

² Associate professor of agronomy, Univ. of Mo., Columbia, MO 65201 research geneticist, USDA, ARS, Logan, UT 84322; and assistant professor of agronomy, Tex. A & M Univ. Agric. Res. Cen. at El Paso, TX 79927, respectively.

Received for publication November 2, 1974.