Breeding Buffalograss for Improved Seed Yield.

ABSTRACT

Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Englem) establishment from seed is desirable over vegetative establishment, when dealing with larger areas.  Buffalograss seed production tends to be low.  Improving seed yield potential is a desirable objective for a buffalograss breeding program.  The objective of this study was to identify male and female genotypes with improved seed production traits and desirable turfgrass quality.  Seventy-two buffalograss genotypes representing four ploidy levels were established in RCBD with three replications in 2004. Genotypes were evaluated for turfgrass quality from 2004 to 2006. In 2006, genotypes were left unmowed to determine seed yield potential. Genotypes differed in turfgrass quality and seed production characteristics.   Based on pollen production, and turfgrass quality, 2976, 2989, 2990, 2996, 3012, and 3013 were selected as superior male genotypes.  The best female genotypes (i.e. 2838, 2964, 2995, 3000, 3005, and 3023) were identified based on turfgrass quality, pistillate flower height, and seed yield. Seed yield ranged from 54 to 560 g/m² for the genotypes studied.  Six isolated, single crosses were initiated to evaluate compatibility of the parents for seed yield potential in 2007.  Crosses were matched by ploidy level.  Seed yields differed among genotypes, but were low since plants were still juvenile. Some crosses produced superior seed yields with large caryopses size.  Such parents may produce seeds that maximize the benefits of single crosses and enhance the marketability of buffalograss.  Identifying the best parents and constructing isolated single crosses will increase the seed yield from single crosses.