Inflorescence and seed production in festuca pratensis var. apennina (2nt=28)

Summary Plants of tetraploid Festuca pratensis var. apennina (2n=28) collected from Switserland and Northern Italy produced few inflorescences when grown in the field and under glasshouse conditions. The effects of winter and spring treatments upon reproductive growth were investigated and it was concluded that exposure to low winter temperatures and the control of tiller density in the spring were two important factors controlling the production of inflorescences. A procedure for the production of seed is suggested which will allow breeders to obtain efficient multiplication of collected plant material.