Introduction of the Pasture Plant Fescue (Festuca valesiaca) for the Improvement of Degraded Pastures in the Steppe Zone of Kazakhstan

Abstract

This study presents the results of a comprehensive evaluation of Festuca valesiaca, a dominant perennial grass species widely used in steppe ecosystems for pasture improvement. Previous research has demonstrated the importance of native fescue species in enhancing productivity and resilience of degraded rangelands under arid conditions. However, breeding efforts for this species in Kazakhstan remain insufficiently developed. The research was conducted in 2024-2025 in introduction and competitive nurseries at the Koldy experimental station in Kazakh Research Institute of Livestock and Forage Production (KazRILF LLP). A total of 50 accessions representing two ecotypes were evaluated. The results showed that 14 accessions exceeded the standard variety “Ulan” in forage yield by 5-12% and seed productivity by 10.5-14%. In 2025, accession No. 29 demonstrated significant superiority over the standard variety in key traits, including earlier regrowth, higher plant height, increased foliage, and greater productivity of green mass and seeds. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed that the observed differences were significant at p<0.05. Importantly, this accession maintained high productivity under contrasting agroclimatic conditions, including a dry growing season, indicating its phenotypic stability and adaptability. The obtained results confirm the high breeding potential of F. valesiaca and its suitability for the development of climate-resilient varieties for degraded steppe pastures.