Project Number: 6218-21410-003-06
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Apr 01, 2007
End Date: Mar 31, 2012

Objective:
Develop replicated, 3-year (with a possible 2-yr extension) cool-season grass performance trials in Oklahoma for the evaluation of persistence, performance, and forage quality of several new orchardgrass germplasm resources having high levels of tolerance to stress and competitive performance capacity. Trials would be set to begin in September 2007.

Approach:
The National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science will provide four selections (cultivars and experimental materials) of orchardgrass (Akimordi, Summer Green, Nakei 26, and Nakkei 27) for evaluation in trials to be supported by the USDA-ARS, GRL. The USDA-ARS, GRL will provide replicated perennial, cool-season grass forage trials at two or three locations in Oklahoma (e.g., Langston, El Reno, Lane, or Waukomis, OK). Trials would involve sowing, provision of appropriate fertilization, and accumulation of various agronomic data and implementation of clipping studies to determine relative forage yields of the accessions for a period of 3 years. The trials may be extended for an additional 2 years if submitted materials exhibit performance characteristics equivalent to check materials. Data taken from the trials will be provided to the Japanese National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science. Any accessions, populations, cultivars, etc. exhibiting adaptation, competitive forage performance, and persistence in the trials will be submitted for U.S. release, cultivar registration. If necessary, an application plant variety protection or plant breeders rights will be submitted to the USDA-PVPO.