FACTfile
Red Fescues
Festuca rubra spp.
Temperature Germination Response
The Germination Process
Germination of grass seed begins when sufficient temperatures
are present and adequate moisture is available for absorption.
Imbibed moisture results in a cascade of signals that direct
development; Gibberellin hormones signal the production of
enzymes which function to break down the starchy endosperm
for nourishing the embryo. The radicle (primary root) is the first
structure to emerge from the embryo, followed by the
coleoptile (primary shoot). Green leaf tissue emerges to begin
the photosynthetic process to provide energy for successful
establishment of the emerging plant. The accepted
germination for Festuca rubra spp. is 10-21 days with
soil/rootzone temperature range of 10-260C.
The Significance of Temperature Germination Response
One of the most influential factors of climate change for turf managers is the inconsistency of
seasonal temperatures; cold temperatures in late spring (soil temperatures of just 8 0C), warm winters
(soil temperatures remaining at 100C or above) and extremely hot periods during the summer
months (soil temperatures at +300C). The temperature influence is an extremely important point to
note. The opportunity for turf managers to have access to the temperature response germination
cannot be underestimated.
There are significant differences in temperature germination response not only between species,
but also between specific cultivars within species. Having the information to select individual
cultivars and mixture formulations for increased percentage germination at different soil
temperatures will offer real practical solutions. Barenbrug Research germination temperature
response trials are conducted both in-house and at independent research sites. The trial protocol
for testing is in accordance with the official ISTA* germination testing system. An important part of
the Barenbrug protocol is to test different seed lots of individual cultivars to ensure the influence of
seed lot germination is not greater than the specific cultivar influence.
*ISTA (International Seed Testing Association. www.seedtest.org)
For further technical advice please telephone Barenbrug UK Ltd on 01359 272000
or email [email protected] or visit our website www.barenbrug.co.uk
FF02/GermFescue/01.09
FACTfile
Red Fescues
Festuca rubra spp.
Temperature Germination Response
The Significance of Temperature Germination Response
The trials identified cultivars which can be selected for germination at cooler soil temperatures.
Cultivars which offer higher percentage germination capability at lower soil temperatures can
extend the renovation window and help compete against the ingression of undesirable species.
Graph 1 shows the high percentage germination capability at 10-120C of Barswing & Baroxi Festuca
rubra commutata and Barmalia Festuca rubra trichophylla. This information can be used by a
Barenbrug representative in the selection of cultivars for special bespoke mixtures.
Graph 1
100
90
80
% Germination
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Baroxi
Barswing
Barpearl
Barbirdie
Bargreen II
18 Days 25 Days 35 Days
Barcrown
Barmalia
Applications
Superior shoot density combined with outstanding tolerance to and recovery
from disease
25%
25%
20%
15%
15%
Viktorka
Slender creeping red fescue
Barcrown Slender creeping red fescue
Barswing Chewings fescue
Barbirdie Chewings fescue
Bargreen II Chewings fescue
 Construction, renovation and species
exchange for free draining golf and
bowling greens where minimum
mowing height is 4mm
 Oversowing Take-all Patch scars
 Germination of fescues at cooler soil
temperatures
 Improving sward density, drought
tolerance and combined disease
tolerance
FF02/GermFescue/01.09