Tall Fescue Online Monograph

Abstract

Tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] is widespread in many temperate areas of the world. However, these areas can differ widely in climatic and soil conditions, which affect tall fescue establishment, survival, productivity, and use. We shall first discuss some universal principles that govern stand establishment and renovation and follow with some specifics on establishment. We shall draw attention to the differences in practices between those recommended in the United States and those appropriate for Australia and New Zealand, but suggest that those interested in specific conditions obtain information from local professional practitioners. The primary establishment issue in the United States concerns the destruction of an endophyte infested stand to be followed by a new stand of tall fescue that is not toxic to consuming herbivores. In contrast, the primary concern in Australia and New Zealand is how to establish tall fescue reliably in areas where it has not been used in the past. The discussions for the humid continental climate of the United States, for the Mediterranean climate of southeastern Australia, and for the maritime climate of New Zealand could be extrapolated by readers for similar areas in the world where tall fescue is adapted.

Keywords: Seedbed, no-till seeding, replacement, establishment, Neotyphodium coenophialum, Festuca arundinacea, Lolium arundinaceum, endophyte.

Abbreviations: E-, endophyte free, free of Neotyphodium; E+, infected by wild Neotyphodium