A Comparison of Some Aspects of the Anatomy and Morphology of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorumLam.) and Perennial Ryegrass (L.perenneL.)

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Abstract
The anatomy and morphology of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) have been compared with those of perennial ryegrass (L. perenne), A study was made of the effect of two different light levels, such as might occur in long and in short pastures, on the growth of the two species. Characters studied were: overall dimensions, tissue proportions and mesophyll- and epidermal-cell dimensions of the leaf blades; dimensions and primordia numbers of the apices; root numbers and root and stele diameters. The two species are similar morphologically. The main anatomical differences are those of leaf-blade tissue proportions, particularly sderenchyma, and apex characters. Both species react similarly to shading, i.e., the number of tillers and the rate of growth are reduced and the leaf and cell lengths are increased. On the basis of tiller numbers, Italian ryegrass appears to be more tolerant of shading.