Species Selection Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the 3 plant types?
- Bunch
- Rhizomatous
- stoloniferous
What is the difference between bunch vs. sod-forming?
Bunch increase their size by increasing number of tillers and they do not creep. Sod-forming increasing their size by rhizomatous (below ground creepers) or stoloniferous (above ground creepers)
Describe hay-type grasses?
Tall
Grow upright
Have few leaves at the base of the stem
Higher % of stems form seedheads
Eg. Timothy, smooth bromegrass, intermediate wheat grass.
Describe pasture-type grasses?
Short
High # of leaves near the base of the stem
Low % of stems form seedheads.
Eg. Orchard grass, meadow bromegrass, tall fescue.
How do hay type plants grow?
The growth point is near the tip of the plant and they grow upwards. As they age less leaf growth and more stem growth. Little or slow regrowth. Protein levels drop as plant matures.
How do pasture type plants grow?
Growing point is near ground. Produces many leaves. Good growth potential after grazing. Protein levels increase as plant matures.
What are some examples of hay-type grasses?
Smooth bromegrass, Tall wheatgrass, Reed canarygrass, Timothy.
What are some examples of pasture type grasses?
Meadow bromegrass, Meadow fescus, Orchardgrass, Russian wild rye, Kentucky bluegrass, Timothy.
When do most cool season grasses grow?
April - june
sept.- early oct.
When do warm season grasses grow?
Late June - Early august
What is the difference between tame and native species?
Tame are the introduced grass species and native are the native species. Tame species are the majority of planted forages sown in western Canada.
What are some characteristics of native grasses and legumes?
Usually not planted for hay land or pasture due to Lower seed yields and establishment difficulty.
How can an increase in yield for alfalfa be achieved?
By selecting cultivars with less fall dormancy.
What is fall dormancy?
Fall dormancy is measured in the fall. The more regrowth in the fall, the higher the fall dormancy score and generally the poorer the winter survival.
In Manitoba what are the fall dormancy ratings for hay production?
3-4
What are some examples of hay type legumes?
Alfalfa, Red clover, Saifoin, sweetclover
What are some examples of pasture type legumes?
Alfalfa, Birdsfoot trefoil, Cider milkvetch, white clover, alsike clover.
What fall dormancy ratings are best for pasture?
Fall dormancy of 1 and 2 are mainly for the creeping rooted types. These are better suited to pasture.
What can be done with non-fall dormant alfalfa?
- They should be treated as annuals.
- Can fix some nitrogen so can be used as a green manure crop.
