• Weed & Turfgrass Science
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.330-337
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• 2015

Research was conducted to investigate germination and establishment characteristics of five fescue species. Alternative conditions of 8-hr light at $25^{\circ}C$ and 16-hr dark at $15^{\circ}C$ were applied. Significant differences were observed in seed germination power, germination speed and germination peak time. Germination power was 62.25% in CRF 'Audubon' to 96.75% in TF 'Olympic Gold'. It was greater with TF over FF, being TF > HF > SF > CF > CRF. Germination speed, measured as days to seed germination of 50% through 80%, was fastest with TF, medium with CF and HF, and slowest with CRF and SF, being TF > CF, HF > CRF, SF. Germination peak time was much faster with TF over FF. It ranged from 0.94 to 1.47 days with TF. But it varied with 2.80 to 12.36 days among FF species. The peak time was longer in order of HF, SF < CF < CRF. Considering germination power, germination speed and germination peak time, TF 'Arid III' was the best cultivar under alternative conditions, while CRF 'Audubon' the poorest. Overall establishment characteristics among Festuca species were even better with TF over FF in order of TF > CF, HF > SF > CRF.