Some aspects of growth in an undefoliated stand of Italian ryegrass.
Abstract
Growth of an undefoliated stand of Italian ryegrass in the later stages of establishment was studied in detail for 6 months from winter to summer. Number of tillers/unit area declined throughout the experiment. Rate of leaf appearance and dimensions of mature leaves increased throughout most of the experiment, whereas average number of mature leaves/tiller remained relatively constant in June, July and Aug. but increased from Sep. to Nov. Total yield increased from Aug. onwards and was associated with an increase in the amount of stem. The death of tissue and its subsequent decomposition appeared to be important in determining the rate at which DM accumulates in grass swards.-R.B.