GENETIC MANIPULATION OF TALL FESCUE

Genetic manipulation of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) has not been altered by the discovery of the Acremonium coenophialum (Morg an-Jones and Gams) /grass interaction. However, tall fescue breeding p rograms have been affected greatly. The basic methods for genetically manipulating the grass have remained static. Tall fescue is an obligat e out-crossing species, and most improvements are, therefore, captured in the form of an improved population developed through some form of mass or recurrent selection. What has changed is the breeder's ability to recognize genetic differences in the grass because of the confound ing effect of A. coenophialum on plant phenotype. It is, therefore, cr itical that breeders recognize A. coenophialum status in their plants prior to selection. The other major change in tall fescue breeding sin ce the discovery of the A. coenophialum/grass interaction is a tremend ous increase in breeding activity.