Seed productivity evaluation in cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) accessions

Zhelyazko Vulchinkov, Aneliya Katova

Abstract: The aim of the study is to evaluate seed productivity of cocksfoot accessions by estimating the mean arithmetic values of Seed Productivity per plant (SP, g) and ecological stability (CV, %). During the period 2017-2019, in Institute of Forage Crops – Pleven, a collection of cocksfoot was studied in field non-irrigated conditions on leached black soil, with 10 accessions, individually arranged plants, by seedlings at a distance of 50 / 50 cm. 25 plants represent each accession. Individual harvesting of each accession was performed at the time of the technical maturity of the seeds. Seed Productivity per plant (SP, g) and variation coefficient (CV, %) were used as a major criterion in the selection of elite genotypes. Francis & Kannenberg (1978) method with average seed productivity parameters and average variation coefficient were applied for allocation of each accession exceeding the mean values for the collection in the three consecutive years. Analysis of variance of the seed productivity of the samples over the studied period was performed, and a hierarchical cluster analysis was performed according to the method of Ward (1963). It has been estimated that the seed productivity varies depending on the genotype - variety or ecotype, seasonal variations (years), as well as growing conditions. The highest average annual seed productivity and stability for all years was taken into account in the cocksfoot accessions Dabrava, BGR1120 and Bekovi skali. The ecotype BGR1120 is promising for the breeding.

Keywords: cluster analyses; Cocksfoot accessions; seed productivity; variation coefficient

Date published: 2020-06-30