Ann Blount

University of Florida | UF · North Florida Research & Education Center

Ornamental rhizoma peanut ( Arachis glabrata Benth.; ORP) is a low-maintenance groundcover for use in urban and residential landscapes. Despite its availability since 2002, consumer insights on ORP have never been assessed. Online surveys are readily accepted by academic researchers as a valuable research tool. An online survey was distributed to 5...

‘FL4XR16’ (Reg. no. CV‐289, PI 699961) tetraploid forage‐type annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is a synthetic cultivar selected for mid‐late maturity, high dry matter (DM) yield, and resistance to gray leaf spot (GLS). In spring 2016, a nursery of ‘FL Red’ experienced a high incidence of GLS, and 50 highly disease resistant individual plan...

As the earth's climate changes, the ability of breeders to select for traits within forage species that impart adaptability to these changes will be critical for the maintenance of grassland agricultural systems. Temperate ‐ tropical climate transition zones (between 27 and 31° N and S latitude) have proven to be ideal zones for breeding species wi...

Highlights Compaction of triticale grain with three moisture contents (8%, 12%, and 16% wet basis) was measured at five applied pressures (0, 7, 14, 34, and 55 kPa). Bulk density increased with increasing pressure for all moisture contents and was significantly (p < 0.0001) dependent on both moisture content and applied pressure. A Verhulst logisti...

Highlights Rye grain compaction was measured for three different moisture contents (8%, 12%, and 16% wet basis) at five different compaction pressures (7, 14, 34, and 55 kPa) Bulk densities were found to be statistically significantly dependent (p < 0.0001) on both the moisture content and applied pressure. Compacted bulk densities increased with i...

This 5-page minor revision brings an updated list of recommended species and cultivars for the establishment of wildlife plots in Florida. Written by A. R. Blount, M. Wallau, H. K. Ober, E. Rios, J. M. B. Vendramini, J. C. B. Dubeux, Md. A. Babar, C. L. Mackowiak, and K. H. Quesenberry, and published by the Agronomy Department, October 2019. SS-AGR...

This publication provides the most up-to-date information on current adapted cool-season forage varieties. The recommendation of varieties is based on multi-location, multi-year cultivar evaluation experiments that may include trials in Georgia and other states. Table 1 includes information about the planting dates, seeding rates, and other conside...

Grain physical properties such as coefficients of friction are required to design harvesting, cleaning, and handing equipment, and storage structures. The objective of this study was to measure coefficients of friction between triticale grain and galvanized steel at grain pressures and velocities typical of those seen when filling and emptying stor...

Triticale is a hybrid of wheat and rye grown for use as animal feed. In Florida, due to its soft coat, triticale is highly vulnerable to Sitophilus oryzae L. (rice weevil) and there is interest in development of methods to detect early-instar larvae so that infestations can be targeted before they become economically damaging. The objective of this...

The combination of high protein content and a soft seed coat makes the wheat-rye hybrid Triticale (Triticosecale) vulnerable to attack by rice weevils. Drying triticale grain to moisture contents safe for storage can prevent infestation by rice weevils, but if grain is being stored for seed, high drying temperatures can affect seed germination. Gra...

The development of a turf-type bahiagrass could have a remarkable impact on the billion-dollar turf industry in the south-eastern United States. The goals of this study were to (i) select bahiagrass genotypes with improved turf attributes and (ii) determine the reproductive mode and seed fertility of selected genotypes. The population included muta...

This 2-page fact sheet is a minor revision written by A. R. Blount, R. D. Barnett, P. L. Pfahler, J. W. Johnson, G. D. Buntin, and B. M. Cunfer, and published by the Agronomy Department, January 2017. SS-AGR-42/AG147: Rye and Triticale Breeding in the South (ufl.edu)

‘Boyero UNNE’ (Reg. No. CV-5, PI 676021) bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) was registered with the National Register of Plant Cultivars and the National Register of Property for Plant Cultivars, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Exploitations, and Fisheries of Argentina, Resolution no. 276 in August 2012 (Reg. No. 3213) and released by the Nati...

FL720 (Reg. No. CV-380, PI 678418), a facultative-type forage oat (Avena sativa L.), was co-developed by the University of Florida and Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and was released in 2014. FL720 was tested under the experimental designation FL0720-R6. This line was derived from the three-way cross FL0206FSB-34-S1//FL0016-H1/IL 35...

Cool-season forage mixtures are an option for extending the length of the grazing season. Small grains have a different growth distribution than annual ryegrass and may increase livestock gain per area. This 2-yr grazing study tested three small grain–annual ryegrass mixtures: (i) cereal rye (Secale cereale L. ‘FL401’)–annual ryegrass (Lolium multi...

Sand blackberry (Rubus cuneifolius Pursh) is a troublesome perennial weed in Florida rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.)–grass pas­tures. The degree to which it can be controlled by defoliation is not well understood. In 2011 and 2012, blackberry regrowth and persistence responses were assessed by clipping every 35 d to three stubble heights (...

‘Florigraze’ rhizoma peanut (RP; Arachis glabrata Benth.) is a persistent forage legume for the US Gulf Coast, but peanut stunt virus (Cucumovirus spp.) reduces herbage accumulation (HA). Less susceptible germplasms and cultivars of RP have been released, but their responses to grazing management are not known. The objective was to quantify abovegr...

Forage legumes increase nutritive value and provide N to grass-based grazing systems. Few legumes have a long stand life in the southeastern US, but persistence is documented for rhizoma peanut (RP; Arachis glabrata Benth.). Several RP introductions have been released recently from the University of Florida, but their responses to grazing managemen...

‘FL PE’ (Reg. No. CV-280, PI 675350) diploid annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is a synthetic cultivar selected for later maturity, excellent cold tolerance, and resistance to crown rust (caused by Puccinia coronate Corda) and gray leaf spot (caused by Pyricularia grisea Sacc.) It offers sufficient cold tolerance to be grown in the northern...

‘FL24D’ (Reg. No. CV-33 PI 673130) red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a synthetic cultivar selected for tolerance to the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and it is the most nondormant red clover cultivar available in today’s market. Red clover can experience significant broadleaf weed competition, especially during the establish...

Establishing rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.; RP ) in strips into existing bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) pastures has potential to increase forage nutritive value, decrease N fertilizer use, and improve N cycling. Grazing the grass–legume mixture in the year after planting may be possible, but appropriate grazing management strategie...

Rhizoma peanut has the potential for use as an ecologically friendly groundcover or turf alternative. Little is known about height and cover characteristics of this plant, which are important ornamental considerations. The objectives of this field study were to characterize maximum average canopy height, height variability, the time to reach full c...

Seed production is a critical component in agricultural systems based on bahiagrass and ergot has been reported to significantly reduce seed quality in tetraploid cultivars. Seed yield and quality are important traits to evaluate in the advanced breeding lines developed at the University of Florida. Resistance to ergot was assessed in seven tetrapl...

Using recurrent phenotypic selection we have developed a red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) cultivar (FL24D) resistant to 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) after six cycles. Approximately 20,000 seeds were broadcast seeded into metal flats and sprayed with 1.1 kg a.i. ha-1 2,4-D at 4 week (3 trifoliate leaf stage). One month later, 385 (1.95 %...

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) is extensively used in pastures in the southeastern US due to its adaptive characteristics to subtropical conditions. An increasing demand for attractive landscapes maintained with minimum inputs warrants improving the aesthetic value of bahiagrass. Breeding strategies differ for diploid and tetraploid bahiagras...

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosas L.) can be a weed in rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrataBenth.)–grass pastures. Goats (Capra hircus) have provided effective control of Rubus spp. in other environments, but their efficacy has not been tested in legume-grass swards in this context. The objective was to evaluate rotational stocking by goats alone or with ca...

Planting rhizoma peanut (RP; Arachis glabrata Benth.) in strips in bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) pastures may be an economical approach to increase sward nutritive value, decrease dependence on N fertilizer, and promote sustainable mixed-species pastures. Released cultivars and germplasms of RP range in growth habit from decumbent to upright...

This revised 4-page fact sheet provides the most up-to-date information on current adapted varieties of cool-season forages. The recommendation of varieties is based on multi-location, multi-year cultivar evaluation experiments that may include trials in Georgia and other states. Table 1 includes information about the planting dates, seeding rates,...

Planting rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.; RP) in strips into bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) pastures can reduce establishment cost relative to conventional techniques, but research is needed to determine the best seedbed preparation methods. The objectives were to quantify the effects of four seedbed preparation techniques: glyphosate...

Triticale is being evaluated as a substitute for corn in animal feed and as a forage crop for Florida. Storage of triticale seed is difficult in Florida's hot and humid climate, and more information about the relationships between equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) at constant temperature (sorption isotherms)...

Forage legumes and grasses provide the basis for the worldwide ruminant animal livestock industry, and most of these forages come from perennial pasture plants. As animal agriculture has intensified, pest pressures on perennial forages often also become more prevalent. Among these pest plant parasitic nematodes, especially root-knot nematodes (RKN)...

Triticale is being evaluated as a substitute for corn in animal feed and as a forage crop for Florida. Storage of triticale seed is difficult in Florida’s hot and humid climate, and more information about the relationships between equilibrium moisture content (EMC) and equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) atconstant temperature (sorption isotherms)...

Higher wheat prices created the impetus for growing wheat in the southeastern United States. Since increasing amounts of corn have been diverted to ethanol production, there is a shortage of grain for America’s livestock industry. This shortage results in higher wheat and soybean prices. Wheat and soybean have been grown together as a double crop t...

Limpograss (Hemarthria altissima [Poir.] Stapf & C.E. Hubb.) is a warm-season grass used for grazing, hay, and haylage production. Limpograss is widely used in South Florida due to its tolerance of poorly drained soils. A breeding effort was conducted to hybridize two cultivars of limpograss, ‘Floralta’ and ‘Bigalta’, with the objective to achieve...

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) is a warm-season perennial grass widely used for forage and low maintenance turf applications in Florida. Diploid races reproduce sexually, while tetraploid races reproduce by apomixis. Apomixis is a clonal reproductive mode and plants that reproduce exclusively by apomixis are known as obligate apomicts. Howeve...

Flowering plants can reproduce sexually (outcrossing and/or selfing) and/or asexually. Sexual reproduction implies the successful completion of meiosis and double fertilization for the formation of both the embryo and the endosperm. In contrast, gametophytic apomixis is an asexual mode of reproduction through seeds, that in-volves parthenogenetic e...

Planting rhizoma peanut (rp) (Arachis glabrata Benth.) in tilled strips in existing bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) pastures may be an option for establishing legume–grass mixtures in the U.S. Gulf Coast, but management during establishment is not well defined. The objectives were to determine the effect of weed control strategies and N fertil...

Triticale is being studied as a substitute for corn in animal feed and as a forage crop for Florida. Storage of triticale seed is difficult in Florida’s climate, and more information about equilibrium moisture content (EMC) relationships of triticale is needed to develop improved storage methods. Therefore, the research objective was to measure th...

This study compared the animal performance of beef calves stocked on bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) basal pastures (1.2 ha) without supplementation (Control) or with supplementation in the form of creep-grazed (0.12 ha) perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.) or cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] or a creep-fed concentrate. Twenty-four...

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) is a persistent perennial warm-season grass well adapted to the southern Coastal Plain of US, where it is used primarily as forage for grazing cattle, and to a lesser extent as a low maintenance turfgrass, and as groundcover in crop rotations. Novel bahiagrass genotypes created by inducing somatic mutations from...

Warm-season grasses require N fertilization to achieve their full production potential; however, increased costs have limited the use of N by beef cattle (Bos spp.) producers. The objective of this study was to test the effects of two grazing frequencies (2 and 4 wk) on production, nutritive value, and persistence of 'Argentine' (tetraploid), 'Pens...

Rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.) has received little attention for its potential use as an ornamental groundcover although it has been used almost exclusively as a forage crop since the 1970s. This study represents the first attempt at characterizing attributes of rhizoma peanut for ornamental use. These attributes include low stature, high...

'Barduro' (Reg. No. CV-31, PI 664479) red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a synthetic cultivar selected for mid-dormancy and high resistance to root-knot nematodes (RKN; Meloidogyne spp.). Pest resistance and plant dormancy are critical factors for adaptation of red clover into the southeastern United States. The objective of this program was to...

Novel approaches are needed for overcoming barriers to successful association of herbaceous legumes with grasses in warm-climate pastures and to identify low-cost, long-term solutions to the problem of N limitation in low-input systems. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate defoliation management options during the year of establishment...

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) and Cereal yellow dwarf virus (CYDV) are two important aphid-vectored viruses of small grains worldwide. In the Southeastern U.S., there is an absence of wheat, oat and barley during summer months. Thus, the availability of alternative summer hosts for the viruses and their vectors in the field is potentially critic...

Ocala, a new UF annual ryegrass, has excellent disease resistance and sufficient cold tolerance to be grown successfully in the southern annual ryegrass region of the U.S. It is a well-adapted, diploid annual ryegrass population. Parentage includes several advanced experimental annual ryegrass populations for Florida and Nebraska. This 1-page fact...

Earlyploid, developed at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, is a large-seeded, upright, early forage-producing and early maturing annual ryegrass. Regional variety trials show it is the earliest tetraploid ryegrass cultivar available commercially. It offers excellent disease resistance and sufficient cold tolerance to be grown...

A shift in oat (Avena sativa L.) production from grain to forage (hay and grazing) is occurring in the southeastern USA. However, most available cultivars were developed for improved grain production, rather than forage yield. We field tested several standard and new oat releases over 2 years, using repeated clippings to determine forage yield, nut...

Manipulating apomixis for fixing tetraploid bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) hybrids exhibiting superior agronomic characteristics would be a valuable tool for the genetic improvement of this species. The objectives were to create a second generation of hybrids by crossing sexual first-generation tetraploid hybrids (FGTH) and unrelated apomicti...

This study determined the nutritive value, ensiling characteristics, and in situ disappearance kinetics of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge 'Tifton 9'), perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth. 'Florigraze'), annual peanut [Arachis hypogaea (L.) 'FL MDR 98'], cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. 'Iron clay'], and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) M...

Soybean rust (SBR), caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is one of the most destructive fungal diseases affecting soybean production. Silicon (Si) amendments were studied as an alternative strategy to control SBR because this element was reported to suppress a number of plant diseases in other host-pathogen systems. In greenhouse experiments, soybean c...

AN255, a 5-page fact sheet by R. O. Myer, A. T. Adesogan, A. R. Blount, D. W. Gorbet, and B. L. Tillman, provides livestock producers with information on the use of annual cultivated peanut as a potential forage crop in the Southeast — forage production trial results, nutritional value, feeding value, and use as forage for grazing. Includes referen...

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) is the major pasture forage in the southern Gulf Coast, USA. A bahiagrass selection breeding program has been ongoing since 1960 at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station at Tifton, Georgia, USA, to increase forage yield in Pensacola (P. notatum var. sanese) bahiagrass. However, the impact of selecting for forage...

SS-AGR-337, a 6-page illustrated fact sheet by Yoana Newman, Ed Jennings, Joao Vendramini, and Ann Blount, describes this drought-resistant summer forage crop — plant description and adaptation, history and released cultivars, yield, nutritive value and antiequality factors, site selection, planting date and seeding rates, management, and utilizati...

The objectives were to develop a screening technique to evaluate the tetraploid germplasm of Paspalum notatum Flüggé (bahiagrass) for potential rate of root depth development (RRDD), estimate the variability for RRDD among hybrids, and analyze the association between RRDD and nitrogen (N) uptake. First, a screening technique was developed based on...

New bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) genotype PCA Cycle 4 is more productive than existing bahiagrass cultivars during the cool season, but it may not persist as well when defoliated frequently or to short stubble. Characterizing tiller dynamics forms a basis for understanding mechanisms of grass yield and persistence responses to defoliation....

The annual cultivated peanut (Arachic hypogaea L.) was evaluated as a possible high quality pasture forage crop for grazing by growing beef cattle. A 10.2 ac field that was originally planted to annual peanut in 1999 was used. Since 1999, the peanut reseeded (self-seeded) annually. The forage initially was harvested for hay, and the seeds were left...

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) is the predominant forage grass in the southeastern US. The commercially important bahiagrass cultivar 'Argentine' is preferred for genetic transformation over sexual diploid cytotypes, since it produces uniform seed progeny through apomixis. Pseudogamous apomictic seed production in Argentine bahiagrass may con...

AN243, a 4-page fact sheet by Bob Myer, Lee McDowell, Cheryl Mackowiak, and Ann Blount, discusses the concentrations of forage minerals in bahiagrass pastures for beef cattle, to determine adequate mineral levels and use of mineral supplements. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Animal Science, July 2010.

Revised! SS-AGR-59, a 4-page fact sheet by J. Vendramini, A. Blount, Y. Newman, C. G. Chambliss, and M. B. Adjei, describes this robust, warm-season perennial grass native from Africa, useful in southern Florida for fall and winter grazing — establishment, management of established stands, and pests. Includes references. Published by the UF Departm...

SS-AGR-332, a 9-page illustrated fact sheet by Yoana Newman, Joao Vendramini, and Ann Blount, provides an overview of this warm-season perennial grass that is widely used in Florida and details of management and production. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Agronomy, May 2010. SS-AGR-332/AG342: Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flue...

Revised! SSAGR24, a 4-page illustrated fact sheet by Joe Vendramini, Yoana Newman, Ann Blount, Martin B. Adjei, and Paul Mislevy, describes the different steps that minimize establishment failure and lead to a favorable outcome of dense stand of perennial pasture grass. Published by the UF Department of Agronomy, March 2010. SSAGR24/AG125: Five Bas...

Arblick (Reg. No. GP-128; PI 658528) and Ecoturf (Reg. No. GP-129; PI 658529) are rhizoma peanut (RP) (Arachis glabrata Benth.) germplasms released by the Univ. of Florida in 2008. These plant introductions were identified as lower growing "ground cover" type plants. These lines are being released as germplasm to document the dual purpose ornamenta...

AN234, a 6-page fact sheet by Bob Myer, Lori Warren, Juliet Eckert, Dennis Hancock, Ann Blount, and Clay Olson, summarizes nutritional composition data and results of animal feeding studies, including studies with horses. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, February 2010. AN234/AN234: Perennial Peanut: Forage Nut...

‘UF Tito’ (Reg. No. CV-107, PI 262826) and ‘UF Peace’ (Reg. No. CV-108, PI 658214) rhizoma perennial peanut (RP; Arachis glabrata Benth.) cultivars were released by the University of Florida in 2008. After introduction into the United States in 1936 from Brazil, evaluations showed RP to be well adapted to the U.S. Gulf Coastal Plains region. UF Tit...

AN224, a 3-page illustrated fact sheet by Bob Myer, G. Chelliah, Lee McDowell, Nancy Wilkinson, Ann Blount, and Cheryl Mackowiak, describes information gained from a mineral study component of a four-year grazing study at NFREC Beef Unit, to measure monthly concentrations of selected minerals in forage during the late fall-winter-spring grazing sea...

Significant acreage of pines planted by the Conservation Reserve Program has reached the age for pulp-wood thinning. This is an appropriate time to consider conversion from planted pine plantation to silvopasture systems to generate short-term cash flow from cattle. Little has been reported concerning tree configuration that is best suited for silv...

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) cultivars are valued for their persistence under grazing and low management inputs. However, they are daylength-sensitive and have minimal cool-season production, resulting in high winter feeding costs in forage-based livestock systems. New germplasm is less daylength-sensitive, possesses greater cold tolerance,...

Wide acceptance of silvopasture as an alternative sustainable agricultural system in the southeastern United States will depend on an improved understanding of the tree-forage interactions and recognition of its environmental benefits. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in soil nitrate leaching in different land-use systems, in...

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) cultivars are daylength sensitive and have minimal cool-season production. A new bahiagrass breeding line is less daylength sensitive and more cold tolerant, but its dry matter (DM) yield and nutritive value responses to defoliation treatments are unknown. A 3-yr field experiment studied effects of two stubble h...

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) is an important perennial forage grass for the southeastern United States, being well adapted to conditions such as sandy or poorly drained soils, drought, and heavy continuous grazing. Current bahiagrass cultivars germinate over an extended period of time and the slow emergence produces incomplete stands, allow...

Interest in silvopastoral systems revolves around developing sustainable agriculture that increase food, forage, and fiber production without causing environmental degradation. Limited resource farmers are looking for alternative agricultural systems with possibilities for diversifying their farm products. We evaluated the effects of tree configura...