Publication Date
1997
Description
The carbohydrate reserves of six perennial grasses were measured during exposure to drought and defoliation over spring-summer and summer-autumn seasons. Of the six species assessed, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) had the highest level of reserves while wallaby grass (Danthonia richardsonii) had the lowest levels. The results indicate that during the spring-summer period drought intensity had a greater effect on plant reserves than defoliation intensity. However, defoliation had a greater effect on reserves during the summer-autumn period. It is suggested that tiller reserves may be most affected when drought is moderate and defoliation is severe.
Citation
Boschma, S P.; Hill, M J.; Scott, J M.; and Lutton, J J., "Carbohydrate Reserves of Perennial Grasses: Effect of Drought and Defoliation Intensity" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 20.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session22/20
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Carbohydrate Reserves of Perennial Grasses: Effect of Drought and Defoliation Intensity
The carbohydrate reserves of six perennial grasses were measured during exposure to drought and defoliation over spring-summer and summer-autumn seasons. Of the six species assessed, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) had the highest level of reserves while wallaby grass (Danthonia richardsonii) had the lowest levels. The results indicate that during the spring-summer period drought intensity had a greater effect on plant reserves than defoliation intensity. However, defoliation had a greater effect on reserves during the summer-autumn period. It is suggested that tiller reserves may be most affected when drought is moderate and defoliation is severe.
