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Annual ryegrass (Lolium perenne ssp. multiflorum) is an excellent cover crop for winter-fallow fields of the Southeast. However, late senescence and herbicide resistance pose challenges for spring eradication. This study aims to develop a ryegrass variety that naturally senescence early using the recurrent phenotypic selection. A base population with anthesis dates from March 21 to April 2 was collected in 2022. 903 seedlings of this population were grown in Cycle0. For Cycle1, the Cycle0 population upon anthesis was segregated into NV0 (11 non-vernalizing), E0 (earliest 70 to anthesis), and L0 (last 70 to anthesis). Isolated groups were allowed to polycross within each group to give NV1, E1, and L1 in 2023. Results indicated that NV1, E1, and L1 gained 18, 14, and 10 days, respectively, with heritability of 0.39, 0.61, and 0.45 for anthesis. The N and E populations will be assessed for cover crop and L for forage variety. |
