Plant introduction trials: Genotype-environment analysis of plant introductions for the high country

Abstract

The relative productivity, adaptability, and persistence rankings of 168 lines of grasses, legumes, and herbs were determined from a spaced plant trial in the Mackenzie Country at 3 contrasting sites and 2 fertility levels. Plants were visually assessed in spring, summer, and autumn in the 1st, 2nd, and 5th year. The species groups, in approximate descending order of productivity within legumes and grasses, together with the number of lines ranked within each group, were: white and alsike clover 4, lucerne 3, red clover 10, Lotus 31, other perennial legumes 15, Melilotus 4, Vicia 10, annual legumes and grasses 14, Dactylis 18, other perennial grasses 8, Bromus 5, wheat grasses 13, Poa pratensis 24, native grasses 5, and herbs 5. Within each group, lines are ranked according to productivity and persistence.

Keywords:

• high country
• plant introductions
• genotype-environment analysis
• Trifolium
• Medicago
• Lotus
• Melilotus
• Coronilla
• Onobrychis
• Vicia
• Bromus
• Lolium
• Dactylis
• Agropyron
• Elytrigia
• Elymus
• Poa
• Sanguisorba