Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #158028
Title: MOISTURE POTENTIAL AFFECTS RATE OF LEAF APPEARANCE IN ITALIAN RYEGRASS AND TALL WHEATGRASS

Author
item Terrell, Nina
item Bartholomew, Paul
item Williams, Robert

Submitted to: Research Day Abstracts: Regional Universities Research Day
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2003
Publication Date: 11/14/2003
Citation: Terrell, N.C., Bartholomew, P.W., Williams, R.D. 2003. Moisture potential affects rate of leaf appearance in Italian ryegrass and tall wheatgrass [abstract]. Research Day Abstracts: Regional Universities Research Day. Paper No. S-354. p. 109.

Interpretive Summary: ABSTRACT ONLY

Technical Abstract: The rate of leaf appearance and onset of growth in cool-season grasses may be influenced by soil moisture potential; however, the levels of moisture potential that will restrict leaf appearance are not well defined. The effect of a range of moisture potentials on leaf appearance rates in Italian Rye Grass (IRG) and Tall Wheat Grass (TWG) was measured with seedlings grown in seed pouches. Solutions of 0, -0.25, -0.4 and -0.7 MPa moisture potential were prepared by increasing amounts of polyethylene glycol dissolved in distilled water. Plants were grown in a growth chamber under a photoperiod of 13 hours and with day/night temperatures of 17.5ºC/12.5ºC and the cumulative leaf number on the main stem of each seedling was recorded over a 21-day period. The mean leaf appearance rate, regardless of moisture potential treatment, was 21% greater in IRG than in TWG. In both species the rate of leaf appearance decreased as moisture potential increased. Even a moderate increase in moisture potential, to -0.25 MPa reduced the rates of leaf appearance in IRG and TWG, compared to the rates at 0 MPa.