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Genetic Variation and Interrelationships of Several Minerals in Orchardgrass Herbage¹

Mineral concentrations and their association with grass tetany in grazing animals, have become an important aspect of forage quality, particularly m cool-season grasses. The objectives of this study were to measure the genetic variation and herltability of P, K, Ca, Mg, the ratio K/(Ca + Mg), and to examine the interrelationships among these minerals in orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) herbage. Herbage from 14 selected orchardgrass parents and their polycross progenies was analyzed for P, K, Ca, Mg, and the K/(Ca + Mg) ratio at each of three harvest dates in 1976 and 1977. Parental clones differed significantly for all minerals and the cation ratio. There was less variation among the progenies. Years and harvests within years were significantly different. Although heritability values calculated by the parent-offspring regression and standard unit methods varied, they were of sufficient magnitude to suggest improvement through breeding. Heritability of the K/(Ca + Mg) ratio was low and variable. Correlations of P, K, Ca, Mg, and the cation ratio with yield were generally low in the first harvest. Stability of mineral concentrations and the cation ratio over years was found to be generally acceptable.

Key Words: Dactylis glomerata L. • Forage quality • P, K, Ca, Mg, K/(Ca + Mg) ratio • Grass tetany • Heritability

² Contribution from the Missouri Agric. Exp. Stn. Journal Series No. 8138. Part of a dissertation submitted by the senior author toward partial fulfillment of the M.S. degree.

Received for publication August 30, 1978.