Optimization of technological methods for cultivation of red fescue for seeds

Red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) varieties are characterized by a wide range of polymorphism and biomorphological forms. The most popular varieties in the commercial market are the lawn-pasture type of stiff red fescue (Festuca rubra L. subsp. commutata Gaud.). It has been established that seed stands with the maximum number of generative shoots (ranging from 1547 to 1619 shoots/m2) and the highest seed yields (ranging from 280 to 309 kg/ha) are achieved using seeding rates of 4–6 kg/ha with row spacings of 15 and 30 cm. Nitrogen fertilizers are an effective means of increasing fescue seed productivity. On first-year grasslands, the most effective treatment was a single application of N45–60 in spring or two applications of N45 in autumn and spring, increasing yields by 15–37%. On second-year grasslands, yield increases of 32–37% were achieved with a single spring application of N45 or N60 nitrogen fertilizer, as well as with fall-spring applications at a rate of N90 (split applications of N45). The optimal sowing period, allowing to obtain 398–410 kg/ha of seeds, is the period from the third ten days of May to June 20. Before the natural seed shattering process begins, after physiological maturity has occurred and the seeds have reached a moisture threshold of 45%, separate harvesting is most effective. Subsequently, direct combining is more appropriate. After threshing, intensive growth results in a large accumulation of vegetative mass by the end of the growing season. To maintain high productivity, the grass stands should be mown from mid- to late September, which increases seed yield by 17–22%. The effective lifespan of red fescue seed stands is no more than two years. When sowing at the optimal time, the seed yield in the second year compared to the previous year decreased by 41–45%, and by a factor of 5 in the third year.