Determination of morphological and agronomic traits of festuca arundinacea schreb. genotypes

In this study, genotypes of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) collected from natural populations were thoroughly evaluated in terms of their morphological and agronomic traits, and their potential suitability for use as forage crops and turfgrass was investigated. Observations and measurements were conducted throughout the vegetation period, focusing on multiple parameters including turf quality, leaf texture, plant density, growth habit, leaf morphology, and generative yield components. Based on these evaluations, it was determined that certain genotypes exhibited more favorable characteristics for use in pasture and forage production, while others possessed physiological and morphological features better suited for turf establishment. Phenotypic relationships among the traits were analyzed through correlation analysis, revealing that most characteristics had statistically significant effects on one another. Particularly, the positive correlations observed between certain traits suggest the potential for simultaneous improvement of multiple characteristics through integrated selection strategies. In this context, some genotypes stood out for their suitability in both forage yield and aesthetic value, indicating their potential for multipurpose applications. The findings of this research contribute to the development of new tall fescue varieties that are resilient to cold climates, require low maintenance, and exhibit high adaptability. Moreover, the study provides practical guidance for determining selection criteria in synthetic variety breeding programs, thus laying a strong foundation for both scientific research and applied breeding efforts.