HEADING RESPONSE OF ORCHARDGRASS SEEDLINGS TO PHOTOPERIOD AND TEMPERATURE

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Floral induction of orchardgrass strains (Dactylis glomerata L.) can be completed in 4 weeks under 10-hr photoperiods at 10 C (21 C in some strains). Extending the induction treatment to 6 weeks resulted in earlier heading in one strain. In the same strain, induction at 10 C rather than 21 C resulted in a significant increase in percent heading, heads per plant, and total head yield per plant, but a decrease in weight per head. Different environmental conditions during the juvenile stage had no effect on postinduction development. During the postinduction stage, continuous light promoted earlier heading, greater weight per head, and higher head yield. A schedule for completing the life cycle of orchardgrass in 16–19 weeks is recommended.