Life Sciences Commons^™

Yield And Nutritive Quality Of Fresh And Ensiled Reduced Lignin Alfalfa In Monoculture And Diculture With Novel Tall Fescue, Morgan Boss

All Theses

The objectives of this research were to: (1) evaluate the yield, nutritional value, and digestibility of fresh and ensiled reduced lignin alfalfa (RLA; Medicago sativa L.) in monoculture and when mixed with novel endophyte-infected tall fescue (F; Festuca arundinacea) in comparison to a conventional alfalfa (CA) cultivar; and (2) evaluate ensiled samples under varying DM concentrations; with or without inoculant. A trial was prepared as a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates per treatment. Treatments included reduced lignin alfalfa (RLA), conventional alfalfa (CA) and tall fescue (F) plots as well as RLA/F and CA/F plots. Plots were harvested on …

Perennial Warm-Season Grass Forages Impact On Cow-Calf Profitability In The Fescue Belt, Kyle A. Brazil, Patrick D. Keyser, Andrew P. Griffith, Christopher N. Boyer, J. Travis Mulliniks

Journal of Applied Farm Economics

Incorporating a perennial warm- season grass (WSG) into tall fescue (Lolium arundina-ceum [Schreb.] Darbysh.) forage systems in the fescue belt can help avoid the effects of fescue toxicosis on beef cattle (Bos taurus) reproduction and animal performance and provide forage during summer when fescue production is low. However, little information is available on the economics of incorporating WSG into fescue-based forage systems. We developed a simulation model to compare profitability of three forage systems—100% tall fescue, 70% tall fescue/30% bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), and 70% tall fescue/ 30% switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)—while also comparing spring- …

Manipulating Species Diversity: Environmental Impacts In Row Crop, Livestock, And Grassland Agroecosystems, Alayna A. Jacobs

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

The diversity of living species in an agroecosystem affects both natural resources and agricultural production efficiency. The rise of managed plant monocultures has allowed agricultural yields to increase over time. However, simplifying agroecosystems affects the capacity of the system to sustainably provide clean air, water, and productive soils essential for continued food and fiber production. This dissertation manipulates species diversity in row crop and forage agroecosystems prevalent in the Eastern United States and tracks the associated environmental and agricultural production consequences.

In row crop agroecosystems, increasing plant diversity with winter cover crops has been suggested as a strategy to increase …

Festuca Arundinacea - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Tall fescue is a temperate, perennial bunch grass native to Europe, temperate Asia and north-west Africa and has been introduced into temperate North and South America, New Zealand, South Africa and southern Australia because of its value as a forage. There are two types of tall fescue; the spring/summer-active (temperate) types …

Seeding Rate Effects On Forage Mass And Vegetation Dynamics Of Cool-Season Grass Sod Interseeded With Sorghum-Sudangrass, John A. Guretzky, D. D. Redfearn

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Interseeding annual warm-season grasses into perennial cool-season grasses has the potential to increase summer forage mass and nutritive value. Knowledge of how seeding rate affects annual warm-season grass establishment, forage mass, and vegetation dynamics remains limited. From 2016–2017, we conducted a field experiment evaluating the effects of seeding rates on sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor x S. bicolor var. sudanense) density and forage mass and on the frequency of occurrence of plant species in cool-season grass sod in Lincoln, NE. The experiment had a completely randomized design consisting of six replicates of four seeding rates [0, 14, 28, and 35 …

Estancia Vs. Kentucky 31: Examining Leaf Nutrient Content Of Established Tall Fescue, Macie W. Clark

MSU Graduate Theses

In 2020 Missouri ranked third in beef cattle production and second in hay production. As part of the fescue belt of the United States, Missouri’s agricultural industries rely on tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum Schreb.) as a main forage crop. Two major disorders in cattle grazing tall fescue are fescue toxicosis and grass tetany. Fescue toxicosis occurs when animals consume toxic ergot alkaloids produced by an endophyte within the tall fescue plants. The most commonly grown tall fescue variety, Kentucky 31, is infected with the toxic endophyte. Varieties containing a novel non-toxic endophyte, such as Estancia, have been developed to …

Forage Species Selection For Transitional Organic Production In The Southeastern United States, Jonathan Kubesch

Masters Theses

Despite the vast production markets for forage and organic products nationally, so far limited work has been done to develop organic forages specifically for Middle Tennessee or the mid-South in general. The present organic research field focuses on vegetable and grain production; however, forage production offers an easier transition for producers moving into certified organic agriculture. The present study seeks to evaluate several forage blends for optimizing forage production under low-input transitional organic conditions. Ideally a forage system could be tailored to the beef cattle operations of Middle Tennessee, the dominant forage consumption market in this region of the mid-South. …

Reducing Mowing Requirements In Home Lawn And Golf Course Turfgrass, Mark A. Keck

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Turfgrass systems are routinely managed by frequent mowing to increase aesthetics and function. Mowing is resource intensive with a high labor and energy demand. Reducing the number of mowings events in a growing season will decrease the labor and energy but may reduce quality as well. Previous work has looked at reducing mowing by changing the frequency and by using a plant growth regulator (PGR). Limited information is available about how to reduce mowing while maintaining acceptable quality. We looked at two different management practices to reduce mowing and maintain quality. The first study evaluated seven different mowing frequencies at …

Understanding Spatial Dynamics Of Tallgrass Prairie Dominated By Tall Fescue, Callie Griffith

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This study was conducted on restored tallgrass prairie and invaded tallgrass prairie located in the Grand River Grasslands of southern Iowa to determine differences in heterogeneity of plant structure and functional group composition at different scales. Restored tallgrass prairies were seeded with a species-rich seeding mixture and managed by burning the entire prairie, every three years. Data were collected in August 2014 and 2015 to compare heterogeneity of restoration of native plant structure and functional group composition to the heterogeneity of invaded tallgrass prairies that were managed with patch burning and conventionally grazed. Invaded tallgrass prairies were managed with patch-burning …

Alternative Feeding Strategies For Growing Cattle Grazing Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue During The Summer, Kerri A. Johnson

MSU Graduate Theses

Two experiments were conducted to determine animal performance of alternative feeding strategies to heifers grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue during summer months. In Experiment 1, 40 Limousin heifers (261± 40kg initial BW) were stratified by weight and assigned to either a spring harvested tall fescue silage diet or grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue pasture with grain supplement having either natural or artificial shade for 80 days. In Experiment 2, 40 Limousin heifers (277 ± 44kg initial BW) were stratified by weight and assigned to either a traditional grain supplement or feather-meal supplement (rumen bypass arginine supplement) with natural or artificial shade while …

Can Increasing Grass-Fungal Endophyte Symbiotic Diversity Enhance Grassland Ecosystem Functioning?, Mahtaab Bagherzadeh

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is important in maintaining agroecosystem sustainability. Plant-microbe symbioses, such as exists between the grass tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceum) and the asexual fungal endophyte Epichloë coenophiala, can be utilized to enhance agroecosystem functions, such as herbivore resistance. “Novel” E. coenophiala strains that vary in the production of mammal- and insect-toxic compounds have been identified, inserted into tall fescue cultivars, and are planted in pastures globally. Novel fungal endophyte-tall fescue associations may have divergent ecosystem function effects. This study assessed effects of different fescue-endophyte symbiotic combinations on pasture ecosystem function, including aboveground …

Impact Of Drought On Chemical Composition And Sugar Yields From Dilute-Acid Pretreatment And Enzymatic Hydrolysis Of Miscanthus, A Tall Fescue Mixture, And Switchgrass, Amber Hoover, Rachel Emerson, Allison Ray, Daniel Stevens, Sabrina Morgan, Marnie Cortez, Robert Kallenbach, Matthew Sousek, Rodney Farris, Dayna Daubaras

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Environmental factors like drought impact the quality of biomass entering a bioconversion process. Drought often reduces the sugar content in lignocellulosic biomass, which could have economic impacts, particularly when compounded with losses in dry biomass yield; however, the effects on conversion efficiency are not completely understood. This study investigated how drought may impact biomass composition and sugar yields from dilute-acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of Miscanthus, a tall fescue mixture, and switchgrass from Nebraska, Missouri, and Oklahoma, respectively, grown as part of Regional Feedstock Partnership field trials. Samples were grown and harvested in 2010 during non-drought conditions and in …

Mitigation Of Ergot Vasoconstriction By Clover Isoflavones In Goats (Capra Hircus), Glen E. Aiken, Michael D. Flythe, Isabelle A. Kagan, Huihua Ji, Lowell P. Bush

Kentucky Tobacco Research and Development Center Faculty Publications

Ergot alkaloids produced by a fungal endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala; formerly Neotyphodium coenophialum) that infects tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) can induce persistent constriction of the vasculature in ruminants, hindering their capability to thermo-regulate core body temperature. There is evidence that isoflavones produced by legumes can relax the vasculature, which suggests that they could relieve ergot alkaloid-induced vasoconstriction and mitigate the vulnerability to severe heat stress in ruminants that graze tall fescue. To test if isoflavones can relieve alkaloid-induced vasoconstriction, two pen experiments were conducted with rumen-fistulated goats (Capra hircus) to determine with ultrasonograpy if …

Herbicide Recommendations For Weed Control In Kentucky Bluegrass And Tall Fescue Lawns For Professional Applicators, Gregg Munshaw, Jonathan D. Green, Michael Barrett

Agriculture and Natural Resources Publications

The best method to control weeds is to grow a dense and healthy lawn. This objective should be primary for turf professionals.

Effects Of Cultivar And Distillers Grains Supplementation On Grazing And Subsequent Finishing Performance Of Stocker Steers Grazing Tall Fescue Pasture, L. W. Lomas, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Four hundred thirty-two yearling steers grazing tall fescue pastures were used to evaluate the effects of fescue cultivar and dried distillers grains (DDG) supplementation during the grazing phase on available forage, grazing gains, subsequent finishing gains, and carcass characteristics. Fescue cultivars evaluated were high-endophyte ‘Kentucky 31’ and low-endophyte ‘Kentucky 31,’ ‘HM4,’ and ‘MaxQ.’ Steers were either fed no supplement or were supplemented with DDG at 1.0% body weight per head daily in 2009 or 0.75% of body weight per head daily in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 while grazing. Steers that grazed pastures of low-endophyte ‘Kentucky 31,’ ‘HM4,’ or …

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, And Potassium Fertilization For Newly Established Tall Fescue, D. W. Sweeney, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

First-year spring yields of tall fescue in 2013 responded to phosphorus (P) fertilization, but lodging at the R5 growth stage in the spring with higher P fertilization rates may have influenced subsequent fall harvest yields, which declined with increasing P rates. As N rates increased, R5 yields declined but fall harvest yields increased.

The Influence Of Tall Fescue Cultivar And Endophyte Status On Root Exudate Chemistry And Rhizosphere Processes, Jingqi Guo

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.) is a cool-season perennial grass used in pastures throughout the Southeastern United States. The grass can harbor a fungal endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala) thought to provide the plant with enhanced resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. However, the alkaloids produced by the common variety of the endophyte cause severe animal health issues resulting in a considerable amount of research focused on eliminating the toxic class of alkaloids while retaining the positive abiotic and biotic stress tolerance attributes of the other alkaloids. In doing so, very little attention has been paid to the …

Effectiveness Of Grass Filters In Reducing Phosphorus And Sediment Runoff, Ahmed Al-Wadaey, Charles S. Wortmann, Thomas G. Franti, Charles A. Shapiro, Dean E. Eisenhauer

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Surface water contamination can often be reduced by passing runoff water through perennial grass filters. Research was conducted in 2006 to 2008 to evaluate the size of cool season grass filters consisting primarily of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb) with some orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) relative to drainage area size in reducing runoff sediment and phosphorus (P). The soil was Pohocco silt loam Typic Eutrochrepts with a median slope of 5.5%. The grass filters occupying 1.1 and 4.3% of the plot area were compared with no filter with four replications. The filters were planted in the V-shaped …

Integrated Strategies For Controlling Warm-Season Turfgrass Weeds, Matthew Thomas Elmore

Masters Theses

Herbicidal inhibitors of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) such as mesotrione, topramezone and tembotrione were evaluated in greenhouse experiments for activity against bermudagrass. While topramezone and tembotrione exhibited greater activity than mesotrione, none of these herbicides provided acceptable bermudagrass control. These herbicides reduced leaf tissue chlorophyll and carotenoid pigment concentrations in bermudagrass. Changes in turfgrass pigmentation were quantified using HPLC analogy as well as evaluations of visual bleaching and measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence yield (F_v/F_m). Results indicated that these more expeditious methods of evaluating HPPD-inhibiting herbicide activity (visual evaluations and F_v/F_m) cannot be used …

Restoration Of Tall Fescue Pastures To Native Warm Season Grasslands: Does A Fungal Endophyte Symbiosis Play A Role In Restoration Success?, Sarah Lynn Hall

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Tall fescue, a cool-season grass native to Europe, central Asia, and northern Africa, has been widely distributed throughout the U.S. for use as turf and forage. Following its widespread planting, its ability to associate with a toxic fungal endophyte, Neotyphodium coenophialum, was discovered. Research has linked this fescue-endophyte association with increased biotic and abiotic stress resistance in endophyte-infected (E+) versus endophyte-free (E-) plants, and these differences may affect the ability of land managers to eradicate tall fescue and restore native grasslands. I conducted three studies to examine whether E+ tall fescue plants respond differently to management than E- plants, …

Management Strategies To Improve Development Of Replacement Heifers Utilizing Tall Fescue-Based Systems, Margaret Miller

All Theses

Research was conducted to determine the effect of tall fescue and alternative management regimens on reproduction in replacement beef heifers. Angus _ Simmental heifers (n = 48; 318 ± 4.99 kg initial BW) stratified by weight and pubertal status were assigned to one of three replicated grazing treatments: (1) toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue (TF); (2) toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue with a soybean oil supplement (TFO); or (3) mixed winter annual species (cereal rye, annual ryegrass, crimson clover and hybrid turnip) (M). Tall fescue endophyte infection level was between 74 and 94%. Pastures were grazed from December 12 to April 24. …

G01-1418 Turf In The Landscape (Revised April 2003), Anne Streich, Steven Rodie, Roch E. Gaussoin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

To many people, landscape design means choosing the right tree, shrub or flower for a particular place. An important aspect of the landscape often overlooked, however, is the use of turf. Turf often becomes the leftover areas in the landscape rather than an integral design element.

Turf is a significant part of successful landscaping. This NebGuide explores the benefits and uses of turf in the landscape.

Ec01-120 Certified Perennial Grass Varieties Recommended For Nebraska, Bruce Anderson, Roger Kanable, Ken Vogel

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

More than 100 species of perennial grasses are adapted to and grown in Nebraska. They are classified as either "cool-season" or "warm-season" grasses. The following map, "Major Land Resource Areas For Selecting Adapted Grass Species and Varieties," depicts 16 regions within the state of Nebraska. The table, "Varieties of Grasses for Use in Major Land Resource Areas of Nebraska," shows which grass varieties are best adapted to different sites in each region. After identifying the region on the map, use the table to select an appropriate grass variety for your site.

G92-1119 Rust Diseases Of Turfgrass, John E. Watkins, Roch E. Gaussoin

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the various rust diseases common to Nebraska and offers suggestions for maintaining a vigorous and disease-resistant lawn.

Rust diseases occur on all turfgrasses; however, most rust problems occur on Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and zoysia. In the cool-temperate regions of North America, cool season turfgrasses may suffer severe injury late in summer by attack from one of the rust pathogens. In addition, rust-weakened plants are much more susceptible to injury from environmental stresses and to attack by other turfgrass pathogens.

Introduced Forage Grasses For Nebraska, F. D. Keim, L. C. Newell

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Circulars

This circular presents illustrations, descriptions and recommended usage of fourteen introduced cultivated grasses that are worthy of practical consideration in Nebraska. Most of them can easily be identified by comparing plant specimens with the illustrations and descriptions. This circular has been prepared for use by farmers, county agricultural agents, teachers and others who are interested in our most important grasses. Station Circular 59 contains information and illustrations of the more common native perennial grasses of Nebraska.

Pollination Cycles And Pollen Dispersal In Relation To Grass Improvement, Melvin D. Jones, L. C. Newell

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Research Bulletins

The plant breeder is initially concerned with gaining a knowledge of the breeding behavior of his plant materials in order that improvement may be undertaken effectively. It is important to know the different characteristic pollination habits of these plants. To develop and apply techniques applicable to the improvement of a given grass crop, it is desirable to know the time of day and the number of days that the grass sheds pollen. The effects of temperature, humidity, light, and wind on pollination must be considered. Once superiority of germplasm is obtained, the most important consideration is the maintenance of this …