Production of root axes and leaf elongation in perennial ryegrass in relation to dryness of the upper soil layer

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Abstract
During a period without rainfall the upper layers of the soil may become dry whilst the lower layers provide sufficient moisture for the plant to continue growing. In experimental conditions simulating such a soil environment, new main root axes ceased to be produced by plants of perennial ryegrass. Shoot growth and leaf elongation rate were little affected during the first 2 weeks of the treatment. The subsequent introduction of moisture round the base of the plant resulted in the rapid production of new root axes and increase in the leaf elongation rate. Although there was considerable intra-varietal genetic variation in the rate of development of new root axes and leaf elongation after wetting it is concluded that this would be of doubtful value as a selection criterion.