Genetic Variability of the Most Important Traits in Meadow Fescue Accessions

Abstract

Meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) is an important perennial grass for animal feed production on grasslands and pastures. A basic requirement for successful breeding of this species is variability of the initial material. The collection examined consisted of 11 accessions (five breeding populations and six cultivars) of meadow fescue. The trial was conducted as a spaced plant nursery with 30 plants per genotype over 2 years. The aim was to determine genetic variability of the most important traits, specifically heading date (phenological trait), plant height in the first and the second cut, first internodes length, the number of tillers per plant and length, width and number of leaves, (morphological traits), as well as dry matter yield per plant. Statistical analysis of the data (ANOVA) revealed significant variability of genotypes for all properties included in the study. The highest average within-population variability was found for the number of tillers (CV 58 %), while the lowest variability was found for heading date (CV 8.8 %). The between-population variability was statistically significant for all investigated traits. Cluster analysis was used to graphically illustrate the genetic diversity of the meadow fescue accessions included in the study. The high level of genetic variability of this collection highlights the potential for future success in the breeding of meadow fescue.