Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #172931
Title: EFFECTS OF WETTING/DRYING CYCLES AND ALLELOCHEMICALS ON GERMINATION AND EARLY GROWTH OF ITALIAN RYEGRASS

Author
item Majors, Contessa
item Holland, Davia
item Bartholomew, Paul
item Williams, Robert

Submitted to: Research Day Abstracts: Regional Universities Research Day
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2004
Publication Date: 10/1/2004
Citation: Majors, C.S., Holland, D.D., Bartholomew, P.W., Williams, R.D. 2004. Effects of wetting/drying cycles and allelochemicals on germination and early growth of Italian ryegrass [abstract]. Research Day Abstracts: Regional Universities Research Day. Paper No. S-201. p. 50.

Interpretive Summary: ABSTRACT ONLY

Technical Abstract: Plant residues on the soil surface may produce allelochemicals that hinder germination and/or seedling development. Wetting and drying caused by intermittent rainfall may increase the susceptibility of seedlings to the effects of allelochemicals. The effects of wetting and drying cycles and exposure to allelochemicals on seed germination and seedling growth were tested using Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.)(IRG). A complete cycle consisted of wetting seeds for 24 hours then drying the seeds for 24 hours. Germination and early seedling growth of IRG were studied using mimosine solutions of 10-3 M, 10-5 M and distilled water. Germination of stressed seeds in distilled water and 10-5M mimosine were similar. Stressing the seeds through three wetting-drying cycles caused a decrease in cumulative germination. Wetting and drying cycles did not effect shoot and root weight. Seedling weight in distilled water and 10-5 M were not significantly different. Mimosine 10-3 M caused a decrease in shoot and root weight. As the concentration of allelochemicals in the solutions increased the growth and development decreased.