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Influence of Moisture Deficits on the Reproductive Ability of Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 June 2017

Jesse M. Richardson
Affiliation:
Dep. Agron. and Soils, Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA 99164
David R. Gealy
Affiliation:
U.S. Dep. Agric., Agric. Res. Serv., 215 Johnson Hall, Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA 99164
Larry A. Morrow
Affiliation:
U.S. Dep. Agric., Agric. Res. Serv., 215 Johnson Hall, Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA 99164

Abstract

Downy brome seed production was measured in the field following the establishment of different moisture levels using a line source sprinkler irrigation system. Results indicated that seed production was strongly affected by different moisture levels, with a curvilinear decrease in seed number from higher to lower moisture. In a hydroponic study with water deficits induced by PEG-8000, no seeds were produced when plants were severely stressed (-1.1 MPa) for a 7-day period during culm elongation or anthesis. Number of seeds/panicle was reduced under severe water stress during seed fill, under moderate stress (-0.5 MPa) during anthesis or seed fill, and under mild stress (-0.1 MPa) during anthesis. Water stress also reduced apparent photosynthesis and increased diffusive resistance of flag leaves, particularly under severe stress. In general, water deficits did not affect seed weights or germination percentages in either study.

Type
Weed Control and Herbicide Technology
Copyright
Copyright © 1989 by the Weed Science Society of America 

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