Relationship between contents of chlorophyll (a+b) (SPAD values) and nitrogen of some temperate grasses

Abstract

In a field experiment the chlorophyll (a+b) (SPAD readings) and nitrogen contents of three grass species (Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Lolium perenne L., and Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and three intergeneric hybrids of Festuca pratensis Huds.xLolium multiflorum Lam. and Festuca arundinacea Schreb.xLolium multiflorum Lam. were measured. Close relationships were found between SPAD readings and nitrogen leaf content (r2 = 0.873**, 0.491** and 0.938**) for the 1st, 2 nd, and 3rd cut, respectively. SPAD readings and N contents were closely correlated (r = 0.836**) confirming that SPAD measurements could be used in grass selection and/or breeding for high N concentration in herbage.