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The effects of cutting on regrowth of perennial ryegrass selections exposed to drought conditions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

I. B. Norris
Affiliation:
Welsh Plant Breeding Station, Aberystwyth
H. Thomas
Affiliation:
Welsh Plant Breeding Station, Aberystwyth

Summary

The effect of drought on the growth and subsequent recovery growth of containergrown perennial ryegrass plants was assessed in a glasshouse. Dry-matter production and percentage of water-soluble carbohydrates were measured, and non-destructive measurements of growth components (leaf extension, leaf appearance and tillering) were made.

Drought had an effect upon all the variables recorded. Selecting for improved recovery growth was considered to be of more economic importance than selecting for improved growth during drought and the implications of defoliation are discussed in relation to drought recovery.

It was concluded that subjecting pot-grown plants to drought was a useful technique when screening selections for response to drought.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1982

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