Analysis of Regrowth Patterns and Carbohydrate Levels in Lolium multiflorum Lam.

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Abstract
The regrowth pattern in Lolium multiflorum was analysed in relation to carbohydrate levels and developmental characteristics, using two contrasting populations. Liscate (a natural population collected in Northern Italy) and the cultivar S 22, the former having more erect tillers, longer leaves and a lower rate of leaf appearance. The plants were grown in 16 h photoperiods, at 15/10 °C. NAR† was lower in S. 22, but because LAR was higher as a result of the greater SLA, the RGR was similar in Liscate and S. 22 Starch levels were also similar in the two populations, but the level of WSC was higher in Liscate than in S 22. When the two populations were defoliated to the same extent, total leaf regrowth and rate of leaf elongation were greater in Liscate, but its tillering was more inhibited. Although the rates of leaf regrowth were eventually similar in both populations, they were initially lower in S. 22, leading to a higher total regrowth in Liscate. In both populations, WSC levels in the roots and stubble decreased after defoliation, but starch levels remained unchanged. During regrowth in the dark, starch levels also decreased, but only when most of the WSC in the stubble was depleted.