Testing of colchicine-induced fertile amphidiploids of Ronpha grass under irrigation central Queensland

Abstract

The testing in irrigated swards of a range of fer tile amphidiploids derived from Ronpha grass (Phalaris tuberosa x arundinacea) is reported. These proved difficult to establish with Trifolium repens cv. Ladino as the companion legume and subsequent performance was poor. A decline in first season vigour of spaced plants, as measured by the diameter of leaf spread, was recorded with advancing generation. Seed yield of the three families studied was not affected. Because of their poor performance and the availability of possible alternative species, the development and testing of the Ronpha grass derivatives has ceased in Central Queensland.