Relationship between forage yield and its components in first generation of five synthetic varieties of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.)

Relationship between forage yield and its components in first generation of five synthetic varieties were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the research farm of Isfahan University of Technology, Iran, during 2010-2011. Results showed significant effects of variation between parents on forage yield. Results of stepwise regression revealed that for dry matter forage yield, flag leaf length explained 61% of observed variation. Path analysis showed that plant collar diameter had the highest direct effect on forage dry matter yield. Plant collar diameter also had a positive indirect effect through plant height and negative indirect effect through number of fertile tillers on forage dry matter yield. However, flag leaf length, number of fertile tillers and plant height had the strongest effects on plant forage yield improvement, respectively.