• Weed & Turfgrass Science
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.235-248
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• 2017

This study was initiated to investigate seed germinating vigor, germination speed, and establishment characteristics of Festuca species under natural conditions ($5-25^{\circ}C$). Germination rate was 62.0% in CRF 'Audubon' to 97.0% in TF 'Olympic Gold'. It was greater with TF over fine-type fescues, being TF>SF>CF, HF>CRF. The germination speed, measured as days to seed germination of 50% through 80%, was fastest with TF, medium to high with CF, medium with HF and SF, and slowest with CRF. However, it was approximately 4 days slower under natural conditions, as compared with that under alternative conditions ($15-25^{\circ}C$). Germination peak time was much faster with TF. It ranged from 0.73 to 1.84 days with TF, being 1.45 days in average. But it varied with 2.16 to 11.75 days among fine-type species. The peak time was longer in order of SFCF>SF>HF>CRF.

• Weed & Turfgrass Science
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.47-54
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• 2013

The study was conducted to investigate early establishment characteristics and germination pattern of fine-textured fescues (FF) under natural room temperature and to analyze differences between alternative and natural conditions for a practical application. Six cultivars from Chewings fescue (CF), creeping red fescue (CRF), hard fescue (HF) and sheep fescue (SF) were evaluated in the study. Daily and cumulative germination pattern were measured and analyzed. Significant differences were greatly observed in germination pattern, days to the first germination, days to 60% germination, and germination percentage with environments, species and cultivars. Final germination rate was 29.7 to 80.0% under natural conditions. The first germination was initiated between 8 and 10 DAS (days after seeding) under natural conditions, being 3 to 4 days later as compared with ISTA conditions. Days to the 60% germination were 12.1 to 19.0 DAS, being 3.0 to 4.2 days slower than that under ISTA conditions. CF 'Jamestown II' was the fastest cultivar, while the slowest CRF 'Audubon'. Turf establishment speed was faster with CRF < SF < HF and < CF in order. Information on differences in germination characteristics and pattern between alternative and natural conditions would be practically useful for a golf course construction etc., when established with FF.

• Weed & Turfgrass Science
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.330-337
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• 2015

Research was conducted to investigate germination and establishment characteristics of five fescue species. Alternative conditions of 8-hr light at $25^{\circ}C$ and 16-hr dark at $15^{\circ}C$ were applied. Significant differences were observed in seed germination power, germination speed and germination peak time. Germination power was 62.25% in CRF 'Audubon' to 96.75% in TF 'Olympic Gold'. It was greater with TF over FF, being TF > HF > SF > CF > CRF. Germination speed, measured as days to seed germination of 50% through 80%, was fastest with TF, medium with CF and HF, and slowest with CRF and SF, being TF > CF, HF > CRF, SF. Germination peak time was much faster with TF over FF. It ranged from 0.94 to 1.47 days with TF. But it varied with 2.80 to 12.36 days among FF species. The peak time was longer in order of HF, SF < CF < CRF. Considering germination power, germination speed and germination peak time, TF 'Arid III' was the best cultivar under alternative conditions, while CRF 'Audubon' the poorest. Overall establishment characteristics among Festuca species were even better with TF over FF in order of TF > CF, HF > SF > CRF.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.567-573
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• 2010

Research was initiated to investigate early establishment characteristics and germination pattern of fine-textured fescues (FF). Six varieties from Chewings fescue ($Festuca$ $rubra$ L. ssp. $commutata$ Gaud., CF), creeping red fescue ($F.$ $rubra$ L. ssp. $rubra$ Gaud., CRF), hard fescue ($F.$ $ovina$ ssp. $longifolia$ Thuill., HF) and sheep fescue ($F.$ $ovina$ L., SF) were evaluated in the study. An alternative environmental condition requiring a FF germination test by International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) was applied in the experiment, consisting of 8-hr light at $25^{\circ}C$ and 16-hr dark at $15^{\circ}C$ (ISTA conditions). Daily and cumulative germination patterns were measured and analyzed on a daily basis. Significant differences were observed in germination pattern, days to the first germination, days to 50% germination, days to 60% germination, and germination rate. The final germination percentage was variable with species and varieties, being 40.25 to 82.00% at the end of study. There were considerable variations in early germination characteristics and germination pattern among FF species. The first germination in all entries except HF was initiated between 5 and 6 DAS (days after seeding) under ISTA conditions, while HF between 6 and 7 DAS, being 1 day later. It was 8 to 10 DAS in days to the 50% germination, which was 2 to 4 days after the first germination date. Days to the 60% germination were 9.10 to 14.80 DAS under ISTA conditions, being 5.70 days in differences among the entries. CF 'Jamestown II' and 'Shadow II' and HF 'Aurora Gold' were the fast varieties. The slowest one was HF 'Rescue 911'. Among FF species, turf establishment speed was becoming faster in CRF, SF, HF and CF in this order. Information on differences in germination characteristics and pattern from this study would be usefully applied for golf course design and construction, when established with FF.