Adaptability and variability of seed productivity of switchgrass

Abstract

Purpose. To study and analyze the results of our research on the adaptive properties (drought resistance, frost resistance, resistance to lodging) of varieties of Switchgrass and their impact on seed productivity. Methods. General and special: analysis and generalization, field, laboratory, statistical. Results. Of the cultivars submitted for study, it was determined that 18,0% are lowland ecotypes and 82,0% are highland ecotypes. Varieties of Switchgrass weighing 1 000 seeds have little variability in the group of high environmental costs – from 1,42 to 1,98 g, and in low ecological values of the distribution is much smaller and involved in the range – from 0,85 to 0,94 g. Among the varieties of Switchgrass that were put to the study, the largest weight of seeds were: “Sunburst”, “Pathfinder”, “Shelter” (at or more than 1,80 g). The average value for the mass of 1 000 seeds was found in the varieties “Cave-in-rock”, “Dakota”, “Cartage”, “Forestburg” (1,42–1,66 g). According to adaptive features, it was found that all varieties of Switchgrass have high drought and frost resistance – from 4–5 points (except “Alamo”, “Nebraska” and “Canlow”, for them this figure was at or less than 2 points), high and medium resistance to lodging – from 4 to 5 points, except for “Blackwell”, “Pathfinder”, “Canlow”, “Alamo” – at the level of 3 points. It was determined that varieties of Switchgrass “Cavein- rock”, “Shelter”, “Cartage”, “Foresburg”, “Blackwell” and “Pathfinder” are high-yielding (307,2–340,5 kg/ha). According to the correlation-regression analysis, it was determined that the length and width of the panicle, the yield of seeds from it, have the greatest impact on biomass yield (respectively r = 0,74, 0,77 and 0,85). Conclusions. All varieties of Switchgrass originate from the United States, they are registered in different years, lowland and upland ecotypes, characterized by different adaptive properties, significant variation in weight of 1 000 seeds – from 0,85 to 1,98 g and seed yield. The results of research show that all varieties of Switchgrass have high drought and frost resistance, high and medium resistance to lodging. Varieties of Switchgrass are high-yielding (307,2–340,5 kg/ha).