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Blind seed disease of ryegrass

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Abstract

Following a short background survey on the occurrence, distribution and life history of the fungus, Gloeotinia temulenta, which causes low germination in ryegrass, measures for its control are discussed. It is suggested that the effectiveness of chemicals, applied fertilizers and management procedures depends largely on the seed production techniques used in the various countries.

As breeding for escape appears to have very limited possibilities breeding for resistance is considered to be the only positive answer to the problem. A breeding programme, commenced in 1959 in Northern Ireland using four plants of Lolium perenne which consistently showed very low infections in artificial epiphytotics, is outlined. Using a modified backcross technique it is hoped to introduce resistance, found to be polygenically inherited, into the well known Aberystwyth cultivar, S. 24.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plant Breeding Division, Ministry of Agriculture for Northern Ireland, Belfast

    C. E. Wright

  2. School of Agriculture, Queen's University, Belfast

    C. E. Wright

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Wright, C.E. Blind seed disease of ryegrass. Euphytica 16, 122–130 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00034105

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00034105

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