Environmental correlates of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra) seed yield in Peace River region of Western Canada

The Peace River region is the largest producer and exporter of creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra) seed in the world. The seed crop sequence of the fescue comprises one establishment year followed by two seed crop years. The seed yield of the fescue varies over years irrespective of the crop management factors. We analyzed the correlation between the seed yield of the fescue cultivar ‘Boreal’ and bi-weekly averages of temperature and biweekly total precipitation for two periods in the autumn and four periods in the spring over 4 years. The results showed that dormancy-inducing cool-dry weather in the preceding autumn, and growth-promoting warm-moist weather in the prevailing spring season are favourable conditions for seed yield of creeping red fescue. In the later-half of June which is the flowering time for creeping red fescue, moderate temperatures and adequate moisture are critical to minimize the risk of pollen desiccation, hence enhancing pollination.