The influence of reproductive development upon the root system of perennial ryegrass and some effects upon herbage production

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Abstract
SUMMARY: The production of flowers in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) has been associated with a reduction in root relative to shoot growth and the post-flowering period with the death of roots. Any effect that reproductive development has upon the root system does not appear to adversely affect subsequent shoot growth. In the present experiments, vernalized plants restricted to root axes present prior to flowering showed little difference in herbage production and length of life compared with unvernalized plants similarly restricted. Flower production did, however, limit the ability of plants to initiate main root axes. It would seem unlikely that the mid-summer depression of herbage growth is due to the effect of reproductive development upon the root system.