Heineck, Garett2017-03-142017-03-142016-12https://hdl.handle.net/11299/185093University of Minnesota M.S. thesis.December 2016. Major: Applied Plant Sciences. Advisors: Eric Watkins, Nancy Ehlke. 1 computer file (PDF); vii, 130 pages.One of the primary challenges facing the perennial ryegrass seed producers in Minnesota is a lack of perenniality in the species when grown for seed. The first research project explored alternative management options, including fall residue management strategies and plant growth regulator applications, for multi-year seed production of perennial ryegrass. Our findings suggest that fall residue management, including both field burning and mechanical residue removal, was critical to maintaining seed yield. A second research project studied the effect of the fungal endophyte Epichloë festucae var. lolii on the freezing tolerance of a wide array of perennial ryegrass germplasm. Our results showed no direct effect of endophyte on freezing tolerance of perennial ryegrass; however, there was consistent association between the endophyte and a freezing tolerant host.enfungal endophyteperennial ryegrassseed productionThesis or Dissertation