Interralations in the growth and development of Lolium. II. Tiller number and dry weight at low density

Abstract

Relations between plant dry weight and tiller number have been examined in Lolium rigidum and Lolium perenne grown in the field at low density, and in controlled environments.

Between plants within a cultivar, dry weight of tops and tiller number were positively related at all developmental stages throughout the growing season. Between four cultivars of L. perenne and L. rigidum, the relationship was positive in the vegetative stage but became negative when plants were reproductive.

It is shown that an allometric relation exists between plant dry weight and tiller number during the vegetative stage. This relation did not differ markedly between cultivars, and for L. rigidum and for L. perenne cv. S.24 was not altered when plants were grown in different seasons or in controlled environments.