Intraspecific Hybridization as a Method of Breeding Kentucky Bluegrass (<i>Poa pratemis</i> L.) for Turf¹

Abstract

Four selections and one cultivar of Kentucky bluegrass were crossed in various combinations. The most vigorous of the resulting hybrids were selected for evaluation of turf performance. After 2 years of observation in turf trials, the 17 most promising turf‐type hybrids were studied in greater detail. Eight hybrids were highly apomictic, and were equal or superior to their parents in a number of characteristics reflecting vegetative and reproductive vigor, disease resistance and turf performance. Many of the most promising hybrids appeared to be triploids resulting from the fertilization of unreduced female gametes.