Publication Date

1997

Description

Two perennial ryegrass cultivars known to differ in winter hardiness were subjected to six fall managements comprising two N rates and three fall cutting treatments. Water-soluble carbohydrate changes, winter survival and freezing tolerance were measured as well as subsequent spring production. Fall cutting treatments had strong effects on winter survival as cuts taken late in the fall reduced survival to a greater extent than earlier cuts. Nitrogen fertilization had no preponderant effect on the acquisition of cold tolerance at least under the N levels applied in this study, but was related to more vigorous spring growth. The superior winter survival of the more freezing tolerant cv. seemed to be related to its ability to maintain high levels of HMW fructans throughout the season. Water-soluble carbohydrate levels were generally not affected by N fertilization.

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Influence of Fall CUtting Management and N Fertilization on Winter Survival of Lolium perenne L.

Two perennial ryegrass cultivars known to differ in winter hardiness were subjected to six fall managements comprising two N rates and three fall cutting treatments. Water-soluble carbohydrate changes, winter survival and freezing tolerance were measured as well as subsequent spring production. Fall cutting treatments had strong effects on winter survival as cuts taken late in the fall reduced survival to a greater extent than earlier cuts. Nitrogen fertilization had no preponderant effect on the acquisition of cold tolerance at least under the N levels applied in this study, but was related to more vigorous spring growth. The superior winter survival of the more freezing tolerant cv. seemed to be related to its ability to maintain high levels of HMW fructans throughout the season. Water-soluble carbohydrate levels were generally not affected by N fertilization.