Biotech Studies 2015, Vol 24, Num, 1     (Pages: 047-055)

A Study in Smooth Bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) in the Semi-Arid of Turkey

Sabahaddin ÜNAL ,Ziya MUTLU

1 Central Field Crop Research Institute, Ankara, Turkey - As a cool-season grass smooth bromegrass is a versatile forage crop both for rangeland purpose and herbage production. This forage crop has the superior properties as perennial life form, bloat-freeness and drought resistance. Moreover, early growth in spring and good persistence to grazing are the other desirable aspects of this species. For those reasons, the development of smooth bromegrass varieties for planted pasture or over-sowing of native pastures for restoration is a crucial task for the semi–arid region. Smooth bromegrass isn`t commonly known and grown in Turkey. Therefore, it needs to be introduced to the farmers. This breeding study was designed to aim at examining, evaluating and improving a new variety on present bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) local material. For this reason, at the beginning of the study, nursery plot was established and present lines were observed in it. Superior lines were selected and determined as the candidate of a new variety (local genotype, G-460). Mass selection method was implemented in this trial. Later, candidate variety determined and population were observed at two trials with 8 replications on some morphological and agronomical properties from 2007 to 2009 in Haymana and Yenimahale locations of Ankara province. The recorded morphological traits were main stem length, main stem thickness, length of internode, node numbers in main stem, length and width of flag leaf. Herbage and hay yields were determined as major agronomic properties. All data were statistically analyzed and measured properties of two genotypes were compared by t test. There found no significant differences among the studied genotypes on the following properties. Main stem length, and main stem thickness of G-460 and population had 71.06 and 70.92 cm; 4.06 and 3.99 mm for the two years, respectively. Herbage and hay yields of G-460 and population were 499.4 and 511.6 kg/da; 145.9 and 146.3 kg/da in the final two years of study, respectively. Crude protein content and relative feeding value of G-460 and population were 19.74 and 19.86%; 113.96 and 113.82 in 2009 at two locations, respectively. As a result, genotype G-460 had similar adaptation capability, yield potential and feed quality as much as population`s. This can be considered a good performance for genotype G-460. So this genotype will be useful for meeting the requirement of high quality feed of farmer. Keywords : Smooth bromegrass, morphological, and agronomical properties