Legislation to reduce open field burning in grass seed fields within the Willamette valley of western Oregon changed established production practices. In the creeping grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) non-thermal management resulted in reduced yield. Studies were conducted to examine...
Open-field burning has been an effective, economical, and widespread method of post-harvest residue management in creeping red fescue seed production in the Willamette Valley since the late 1940s. However, the use of field burning has been legislatively restricted due to air quality and safety issues. The foliar-applied plant growth regulator...
One important cool-season perennial grass seed crop grown in Oregon is fine fescue (Festuca rubra L.). Open-field burning has been used for many decades to manage pests, cycle nutrients, and stabilize yield, in fine fescue seed fields, especially as stands age. Legislative restrictions currently limit open-field burning to 6,070 hectares...
Chewings fescue [Festuca rubra L. subsp. fallax (Thuill.) Nyman] is a desired turfgrass with dense sod forming capabilities and superior shade tolerance. Thermal residue management (open-field burning) has traditionally been used to remove post-harvest residue and maintain seed yield over the life of the stand. However, alternative non-thermal residue management...
Seedling root fluorescence (SRF) has been used as a test in the USA since 1941 to discriminate Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) from perennial ryegrass (L. perenne L.). Generally, roots of Italian ryegrass fluorescece when exposed to ultraviolet light, while roots of perennial ryegrass do not. Presence of fluorescent seedlings...
Later maturing cultivars and increased ability to apply irrigation have led to inquiries by producers about proper irrigation management in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) seed crops. The literature reveals little information about irrigation of perennial grass seed crops in general, and none about tall fescue in particular. Willamette Valley...
California brome and blue wildrye are important native grass species in the Pacific Northwest. However, both species have been reported to have low emergence under less than favorable field conditions. Seed coating is used to improve emergence and stand establishment of various crops. Three studies were carried out to determine...