Evaluation of timothy hybrids (<i>Phleum pratense</i> L.) for seed productivity

Abstract

Timothy grass is a valuable forage crop used to create hayfields and pastures. The results of research on seed productivity of timothy grass hybrid samples are presented. The purpose of the research is to create a new hybrid material for selection of timothy grass adapted to the conditions of the steppe zone of the Primorsky Territory. The second generation (F2) hybrids of timothy grass were the object of research. Thirty-nine hybrid accessions were studied in the breeding nursery (F2)) of the third year of life. The following accessions were found to be the most promising: No. 4 (Narymskaya♀ × Primorskaya mestnaya♂), No. 12 (Primorskaya mestnaya ♀ × Morshanskaya 69♂), No. 27 (Primorskaya mestnaya♀ × Narymskaya♂), and No. 36 (Morshanskaya 69♀ × Primorskaya mestnaya♂). Accessions No. 12 (Primorskaya mestnaya♀ × Morshanskaya 69♂) and No. 36 (Morshanskaya 69♀ × Primorskaya mestnaya♂) had the highest number of generative shoots (19–21 shoots per plant). The seeds productivity of the studied hybrids ranged from 3.95 (No. 4, Narymskaya♀ × Primorskaya mestnaya♂) to 10.0 (No. 36, Morshanskaya 69♀ × Primorskaya mestnaya♂) g/plant. Accessions No. 27 (Primorskaya mestnaya♀ × Narymskaya♂) and No. 36 (Morshanskaya 69♀ × Primorskaya mestnaya♂) were characterized by the highest productivity (8.15 and 10.0 g/plant, respectively) exceeding the standard by 7.2–31.6%. Analysis of the sowing characteristics showed that hybrid No. 27 (Primorskaya mestnaya♀ × Narymskaya♂) was the largest seeded hybrid; the 1000 kernel weight was by 0.18 g higher than the standard. Hybrid No. 27 (Primorskaya mestnaya♀ × Narymskaya♂) stood outfor its complex of economically important traits.