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Effect of Fescue on Black Walnut Growth

Differences in tree growth in relation to the occurrence of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) have been noted in progeny tests in the Indiana-Purdue Black Walnut Tree Improvement Program. Grasses are known to have an adverse effect on tree growth (7,10). Harris (5) found that tall fescue decreased both height and stem circumference growth of magnolia. Removal of fescue (no ground cover) growing under walnut trees has been shown to increase diameter growth and nut yield of walnut trees 10 to 12 years old (6). A black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) progeny test in Parke County, Ind., was well suited to analyze the effect of fescue on the growth of young black walnut. The objective of the analysis was to determine the effect of tall fescue on the growth, form, and survival of planted black walnut seedlings in contrast to seedlings growing in a natural, uncontrolled ground cover of forbs. Differences in tree growth in relation to the occurrence of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) have been noted in progeny tests in the Indiana-Purdue Black Walnut Tree Improvement Program. Grasses are known to have an adverse effect on tree growth (7,10). Harris (5) found that tall fescue decreased both height and stem circumference growth of magnolia. Removal of fescue (no ground cover) growing under walnut trees has been shown to increase diameter growth and nut yield of walnut trees 10 to 12 years old (6). A black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) progeny test in Parke County, Ind., was well suited to analyze the effect of fescue on the growth of young black walnut. The objective of the analysis was to determine the effect of tall fescue on the growth, form, and survival of planted black walnut seedlings in contrast to seedlings growing in a natural, uncontrolled ground cover of forbs.


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Author(s): Michael N. Todhunter, Walter F. Beineke

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 30, Number 3 (1979)

Section: general

Volume: 30

Number: 3