Lodging studies in Lolium perenne grown for seed: 2. floret site utilization

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Abstract
Summary: In these experiments lodging not only decreased the number of seeds harvested, but also had an effect in determining which spikelets on the ear set most seed. These data have also shown that many more seeds are set than are harvested, even when the crop is not lodged. It is suggested that there is a lack of assimilate supply to fill the developing seeds, some of which abort, allowing the remainder to attain a viable seed weight. Mechanical support of the crop may increase the assimilate supply to the seed thus allowing seed further up the ear and spikelet to develop fully.