Seed quality of red clover and italian ryegrass varieties during five-year period

Abstract

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) are in the conditions of Serbia, according to many researches and experiences from practice, the most productive and highest quality grass-leguminous mixture for fodder production on more fertile soils. Both species can be sown as pure crops. But sowing and growing in a mixture is better because of the well-known benefits of growing legumes (which are nitrogen fixers) and grasses (which have a pronounced need for nitrogen). Studies have shown that these species grown in a mixture also have a positive effect on soil biogenicity. They also have a positive effect on the reduction of weeds in relation to the cultivation of these fodder plants in pure culture. The initial crop density in all plants, especially dense plants, is achieved by the amount of germinating seeds in the establishment. For sowing in a mixture, the ratio between the number of leguminous plants and grasses is important for achieving the desired ratio in the mixture (legumes: grass).. The ratio in the mixture determines the yield and quality of the feed. Namely, it is generally known that the legume component is of better quality and that the grass component is more productive. There is no doubt that seed germination is the most important indicator of seed quality. And the goal is to maintain high quality seed germination for as long as possible during the seed storage period. But it is also a reality that the seed achieves maximum germination quality during storage and then follows the period of seed aging, which inevitably leads to a decrease in germination, which is different for each species. Of course, the ambient conditions in which the seeds are stored are also of great importance for preserving germination. The aim of these tests was to examine the quality of seeds during five years of storage through indicators: germination energy and total germination. The seeds of four varieties of red dateline were used in the experiment: K-17, Viola, Kolubara, Sana and Italian ryegrass, three varieties: K13, Aubade, Draga, K-39 and one populations: P1. Seeds of the red dateline variety after five years retained an average germination of 64%, with a variation depending on the variety of 20% (Nike 55%, Una 75%). And with pronounced variability expressed through a coefficient of variation of CV = 14.1%. Seeds of the Italian ryegrass variety also maintained an average germination of 70% after five years, with a variation depending on the variety of 13% (Aubade 67%, K-13 80%). And with pronounced variability expressed through a coefficient of variation of CV = 8.12%.