The effect of light intensity on some morphological and physiological aspects of the crop perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. var. 'Cropper') and its effect on seed production.
- 1 November 1972
- journal article
- Published by Wageningen University and Research in Netherlands Journal of Agricultural Science
- Vol. 20 (4) , 232-246
- https://doi.org/10.18174/njas.v20i4.17272
Abstract
Perennial ryegrass cv. Cropper was given high (188), intermediate (140) or low (84 cal/cm2 day between 400-700 nm) light intensity during the period 1 Apr.-30June using supplementary lighting, normal daylight and artificial shading, respectively. Other plots were given 174, 86 and 52 cal/cm2 day during 26 Aug.-1 Oct. and 106, 43 and 26 cal/m2 day until 29 Oct., without affecting the photoperiod. Increased light intensity in autumn or spring considerably increased tillering, while shading treatments gave a decrease. Differences in tiller numbers in autumn decreased during winter and early spring. Numbers of vegetative and reproductive tillers and weight/tiller increased with increasing light intensity in spring. Seed yield was closely correlated with number of reproductive tillers and less closely with number of seeds/head. Supplementary illumination in autumn had only a small effect on number of reproductive tillers but increased number of seeds/head. Maximum LAI of the top 3 leaves, internodes and inflorescences was 13.2, 11.6 and 7.7 in the 3 treatments respectively; these values were high compared with cereals. Amounts of water-soluble carbohydrates in reproductive tillers increased exponentially until ripening and then fell sharply. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)Keywords
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