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.

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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.