Leaf stage as a defoliation criterion for the production of high-vigour annual ryegrass seeds
Alberto Bohn A , Gabriel S. Bortolin
A D , Ricardo B. Job A , Carlos E. S. Pedroso A , Yutcelia C. Galviz B , Athos O. S. Dorneles B , Aline S. Pereira A , Luciano do Amarante B , Andrea Mittelmann C and Sidnei Deuner B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Plant Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil.
B Department of Botany, Federal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil.
C Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Temperate Agriculture, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
D Corresponding author. Email: gabrielbortolin91@gmail.com
Crop and Pasture Science 72(7) 575-588 https://doi.org/10.1071/CP20420
Submitted: 2 November 2020 Accepted: 7 June 2021 Published: 23 July 2021
Abstract
Previous research demonstrated that the interval between defoliation treatments based on the leaf stage is a promising tool for the management of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) pasture. The use of this tool, which is based on the physiological status of the plant, could also benefit the seed production. We assessed the effects of the time of defoliation based on leaf stage on seed yield and quality of annual ryegrass cut to three residual stubble heights (RSH) (50%, 25% and 0% of plant height pre-defoliation) and a second defoliation applied to certain treatments based on the leaf stage of the plant regrowth (two or three leaves per tiller). Higher defoliation intensities (lower RSH) increased the amount of harvested forage to 4.0 t DM ha–1. Moderate defoliation (50%) undertaken at the 3-leaf stage combined with intense defoliation (25% and 0%) at the 2-leaf stage resulted in the highest seed yields (1.8 t ha–1). However, lower RSH reduced mean seed weight and physiological seed quality, which was also associated with lower seed starch and protein content. Accelerated ageing (AA) tests were used to compare seed vigour between treatments. A second defoliation at the 3-leaf stage plus intense defoliation (RSH 0%) resulted in seed lots with a high rate of lipid peroxidation after the AA test, followed by lower catalase activity, germination, and seedling growth. The combination of a second defoliation at the 3-leaf stage and the retention of higher RSH (50%) promoted a greater proportion of leaf blades in the stubble, with a strong positive correlation with seed production and vigour. Antioxidant enzyme activity after the AA test is an important marker of annual ryegrass seed quality.
Keywords: accelerated ageing, antioxidant activity, harvested forage, reactive oxygen species, residual stubble height, seed quality.
References
Aguirre M, Kiegle E, Leo G, Ezquer I (2018) Carbohydrate reserves and seed development: an overview. Plant Reproduction 31, 263–290.| Carbohydrate reserves and seed development: an overview.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29728792PubMed |
Alfenas AC (2006) ‘Eletroforese e marcadores bioquímicos em plantas e microrganismos.’ Vol. 2. (UFV: Viçosa)
Azevedo RA, Alas RM, Smith RJ, Lea PJ (1998) Response of antioxidant enzymes to transfer from elevated carbon dioxide to air and ozone fumigation, in the leaves and roots of wild‐type and a catalase‐deficient mutant of barley. Physiologia Plantarum 104, 280–292.
| Response of antioxidant enzymes to transfer from elevated carbon dioxide to air and ozone fumigation, in the leaves and roots of wild‐type and a catalase‐deficient mutant of barley.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bailly C, Kranner I (2011) Analyses of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants in relation to seed longevity and germination. In ‘Seed dormancy: methods and protocols’. (Ed. AR Kermode) pp. 343–367. (Humana Press: New York)
Barreto LC, Garcia QS (2017) Accelerated ageing and subsequent imbibition affect seed viability and the efficiency of antioxidant system in macaw palm seeds. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 39, 72.
| Accelerated ageing and subsequent imbibition affect seed viability and the efficiency of antioxidant system in macaw palm seeds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Beauchamp C, Fridovich I (1971) Superoxide dismutase: improved assays and an assay applicable to acrylamide gels. Analytical Biochemistry 44, 276–287.
| Superoxide dismutase: improved assays and an assay applicable to acrylamide gels.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 4943714PubMed |
Bohn A, Bortolin GS, Castellanos CIS, Reis BB, Suñé AS, Bonow JFL, Pedroso CES, Mittelmann A (2020) Nitrogen fertilization of self-seeding Italian ryegrass: effects on plant structure, forage and seed yield. Ciência Rural 50, e20190510.
| Nitrogen fertilization of self-seeding Italian ryegrass: effects on plant structure, forage and seed yield.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Borghetti F, Ferreira AG (2004) Interpretação de resultados de germinação. In ‘Germinação: Do básico ao aplicado’. (Eds AG Ferreira, F Borghetti) pp. 209–222. (Artmed: Porto Alegre)
Bradford MM (1976) A rapid and sensitive method for the quantitation of microgram quantities of protein utilizing the principle of protein-dye binding. Analytical Biochemistry 72, 248–254.
| A rapid and sensitive method for the quantitation of microgram quantities of protein utilizing the principle of protein-dye binding.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 942051PubMed |
Brasil (2009) ‘Regras para Análise de Sementes.’ (MAPA/ACS: Brasília)
Cakmak I, Strbac D, Marschner H (1993) Activities of hydrogen peroxide-scavenging enzymes in germinating wheat seeds. Journal of Experimental Botany 44, 127–132.
| Activities of hydrogen peroxide-scavenging enzymes in germinating wheat seeds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Corbineau F (2012) Markers of seed quality: from present to future. Seed Science Research 22, S61–S68.
| Markers of seed quality: from present to future.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Cunha RP, Pedroso CES, Mittelmann A, Oliveira RC, Bohn A, Silva JDG, Maia MS (2015) Relationship between the morphogenesis of Italian ryegrass cv. ‘BRS Ponteio’ with forage and seed production. Ciência Rural 46, 53–59.
| Relationship between the morphogenesis of Italian ryegrass cv. ‘BRS Ponteio’ with forage and seed production.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Das K, Roychoudhury A (2014) Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and response of antioxidants as ROS-scavengers during environmental stress in plants. Frontiers in Environmental Science 2, 53.
| Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and response of antioxidants as ROS-scavengers during environmental stress in plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
de Oliveira CAO, Bremm C, Anghinoni I, de Moraes A, Kunrath TR, de Faccio Carvalho PC (2014) Comparison of an integrated crop–livestock system with soybean only: economic and production responses in southern Brazil. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 29, 230–238.
| Comparison of an integrated crop–livestock system with soybean only: economic and production responses in southern Brazil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Deng B, Yang K, Zhang Y, Li Z (2017) Can antioxidant’s reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity contribute to aged seed recovery? Contrasting effect of melatonin, ascorbate and glutathione on the germination ability of aged maize seeds. Free Radical Research 51, 765–771.
| Can antioxidant’s reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity contribute to aged seed recovery? Contrasting effect of melatonin, ascorbate and glutathione on the germination ability of aged maize seeds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 28866950PubMed |
Donaghy DJ, Turner LR, Adamczewski KA (2008) Effect of defoliation management on water‐soluble carbohydrate energy reserves, dry matter yields, and herbage quality of tall fescue. Agronomy Journal 100, 122–127.
| Effect of defoliation management on water‐soluble carbohydrate energy reserves, dry matter yields, and herbage quality of tall fescue.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Eichelberger L, Maia MS, Peske ST, de Moraes DM (2001) Immediate effect of drying delay on the physiological quality of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) seeds. Revista Brasileira de Sementes 23, 219–225.
| Immediate effect of drying delay on the physiological quality of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) seeds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ferreira DF (2011) Sisvar: a computer statistical analysis system. Ciência e Agrotecnologia 35, 1039–1042.
| Sisvar: a computer statistical analysis system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Fulkerson WJ, Slack K (1994) Leaf number as a criterion for determining defoliation time for Lolium perenne, 1. Effect of water‐soluble carbohydrates and senescence. Grass and Forage Science 49, 373–377.
| Leaf number as a criterion for determining defoliation time for Lolium perenne, 1. Effect of water‐soluble carbohydrates and senescence.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Garay AH, Hodgson M (1999) Tiller size/density compensation in perennial ryegrass miniature swards subject to differing defoliation heights and a proposed productivity index. Grass and Forage Science 54, 347–356.
| Tiller size/density compensation in perennial ryegrass miniature swards subject to differing defoliation heights and a proposed productivity index.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Garcia DC, Menezes NL (1999) Accelerated ageing test for ryegrass, black oat grass and pearl millet seeds. Ciência Rural 29, 233–237.
| Accelerated ageing test for ryegrass, black oat grass and pearl millet seeds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gastal F, Lemaire G (2015) Defoliation, shoot plasticity, sward structure and herbage utilization in pasture: Review of the underlying ecophysiological processes. Agriculture 5, 1146–1171.
| Defoliation, shoot plasticity, sward structure and herbage utilization in pasture: Review of the underlying ecophysiological processes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gill SS, Tuteja N (2010) Reactive oxygen species and antioxidant machinery in abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 48, 909–930.
| Reactive oxygen species and antioxidant machinery in abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20870416PubMed |
Griffith SM (1992) Changes in post-anthesis assimilates in stem and spike components of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). I. Water soluble carbohydrates. Annals of Botany 69, 243–248.
| Changes in post-anthesis assimilates in stem and spike components of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). I. Water soluble carbohydrates.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Holmes T (2016) Seed yield and carbohydrate distribution in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) seed crops. Doctoral dissertation, Lincoln University, New Zealand.
Insua JR, Agnusdei MG, Di Marco ON (2017) Leaf morphogenesis influences nutritive-value dynamics of tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) cultivars of different leaf softness. Crop & Pasture Science 68, 51–61.
| Leaf morphogenesis influences nutritive-value dynamics of tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) cultivars of different leaf softness.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Jeevan Kumar SP, Rajendra Prasad S, Banerjee R, Thammineni C (2015) Seed birth to death: dual functions of reactive oxygen species in seed physiology. Annals of Botany 116, 663–668.
| Seed birth to death: dual functions of reactive oxygen species in seed physiology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26271119PubMed |
Kaufononga S, Donaghy DJ, Hendriks SJ, Matthew C, Kemp PD, Cranston LM (2017) Comparative response of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass swards to variation in defoliation interval and height. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 60, 363–375.
| Comparative response of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass swards to variation in defoliation interval and height.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kunrath TR, de Albuquerque Nunes PA, de Souza Filho W, Cadenazzi M, Bremm C, Martins AP, de Faccio Carvalho PC (2020) Sward height determines pasture production and animal performance in a long-term soybean-beef cattle integrated system. Agricultural Systems 177, 102716.
| Sward height determines pasture production and animal performance in a long-term soybean-beef cattle integrated system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kurek K, Plitta-Michalak B, Ratajczak E (2019) Reactive oxygen species as potential drivers of the seed ageing process. Plants 8, 174.
| Reactive oxygen species as potential drivers of the seed ageing process.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lee JM, Donaghy DJ, Sathish P, Roche JR (2009) Interaction between water‐soluble carbohydrate reserves and defoliation severity on the regrowth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) dominant swards. Grass and Forage Science 64, 266–275.
| Interaction between water‐soluble carbohydrate reserves and defoliation severity on the regrowth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) dominant swards.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Loaiza PA, Balocchi O, Bertrand A (2017) Carbohydrate and crude protein fractions in perennial ryegrass as affected by defoliation frequency and nitrogen application rate. Grass and Forage Science 72, 556–567.
| Carbohydrate and crude protein fractions in perennial ryegrass as affected by defoliation frequency and nitrogen application rate.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lopes RR, Franke LB, Nunes FS (2009) Alternative methodology of the accelerated ageing test for ryegrass seeds. Scientia Agraria 10, 089–094.
| Alternative methodology of the accelerated ageing test for ryegrass seeds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Martiniello P, da Silva JAT (2011) Physiological and bioagronomical aspects involved in growth and yield components of cultivated forage species in Mediterranean environments: a review. The European Journal of Plant Science and Biotechnology 5, 64–98.
McCready RM, Guggolz J, Silviera V, Owens HS (1950) Determination of starch and amylose in vegetables. Analytical Chemistry 22, 1156–1158.
| Determination of starch and amylose in vegetables.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Nakano Y, Asada K (1981) Hydrogen peroxide is scavenged by ascorbate-specific peroxidase in spinach chloroplasts. Plant & Cell Physiology 22, 867–880.
Orchard TJ (1977) Estimating the parameters of plant seedling emergence. Seed Science and Technology 5, 61–69.
Pagano A, Forti C, Gualtieri C, Balestrazzi A, Macovei A (2019) Oxidative stress and antioxidant defence in germinating seeds. In ‘Reactive oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur species in plants: production, metabolism, signalling and defence mechanisms’. (Eds M Hasanuzzaman, V Fotopoulos, K Nahar, M Fujita) pp. 267–289. (Wiley: Pondicherry, India)
Rawnsley RP, Langworthy AD, Pembleton KG, Turner LR, Corkrey R, Donaghy DJ (2014) Quantifying the interactions between grazing interval, grazing intensity, and nitrogen on the yield and growth rate of dryland and irrigated perennial ryegrass. Crop & Pasture Science 65, 735–746.
| Quantifying the interactions between grazing interval, grazing intensity, and nitrogen on the yield and growth rate of dryland and irrigated perennial ryegrass.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Rolston MP, McCloy BL, Trethewey JAK, Chynoweth RJ (2010) Removing early spring emerged reproductive growing points enhances seed yield of Italian ryegrass. Agronomy New Zealand 40, 133–139.
Rolston MP, Trethewey JAK, Chynoweth RJ, McCloy BL (2012) Italian ryegrass seed yield: trinexapac-ethyl and closing date interaction. Agronomy New Zealand 42, 119–127.
Schäufele R, Schnyder H (2001) Carbon and nitrogen deposition in expanding tissue elements of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) leaves during non‐steady growth after defoliation. Plant, Cell & Environment 24, 407–417.
| Carbon and nitrogen deposition in expanding tissue elements of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) leaves during non‐steady growth after defoliation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Scott DJ, Hampton JG (1985) Aspects of seed quality. In ‘Producing herbage seeds, grasslands research and practice series’. (Eds MD Hare, JL Brock) pp. 43–52. (New Zealand Grassland Association: Palmerston North)
Simić AS, Vučković SM, Ćupina BT, Krstić ĐB, Stanisavljević RS, Milivojević MS (2010) Impact of management practices on Italian ryegrass seed quality. Journal of Agricultural Sciences 55, 131–140.
| Impact of management practices on Italian ryegrass seed quality.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Slewinski TL (2012) Non-structural carbohydrate partitioning in grass stems: a target to increase yield stability, stress tolerance, and biofuel production. Journal of Experimental Botany 63, 4647–4670.
| Non-structural carbohydrate partitioning in grass stems: a target to increase yield stability, stress tolerance, and biofuel production.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22732107PubMed |
Smith KF, McFarlane NM, Croft VM, Trigg PJ, Kearney GA (2003) The effects of ploidy and seed mass on the emergence and early vigour of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 43, 481–486.
| The effects of ploidy and seed mass on the emergence and early vigour of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Sociedade Brasileira de Ciência do Solo (Comissão de Química e Fertilidade do Solo) (2004) ‘Manual de adubação e de calagem para os Estados do Rio Grande do Sul e de Santa Catarina.’ Vol. 10. (Sociedade Brasileira de Ciência do Solo: Porto Alegre)
Solomon JKQ, Macoon B, Lang DJ (2017) Harvest management based on leaf stage of a tetraploid vs. a diploid cultivar of annual ryegrass. Grass and Forage Science 72, 743–756.
| Harvest management based on leaf stage of a tetraploid vs. a diploid cultivar of annual ryegrass.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Timóteo TS, Marcos-Filho J (2013) Seed performance of different corn genotypes during storage. Journal of Seed Science 35, 207–215.
| Seed performance of different corn genotypes during storage.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Trethewey JAK, Rolston MP (2009) Carbohydrate dynamics during reproductive growth and seed yield limits in perennial ryegrass. Field Crops Research 112, 182–188.
| Carbohydrate dynamics during reproductive growth and seed yield limits in perennial ryegrass.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Tunes LM, Pedroso DC, Badinelli PG, Tavares LC, Rufino CA, Barros ACSA, Muniz MFB (2011) Accelerated ageing of ryegrass seeds submitted to saturated salt solution. Ciência Rural 41, 33–37.
| Accelerated ageing of ryegrass seeds submitted to saturated salt solution.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Turner LR, Donaghy DJ, Lane PA, Rawnsley RP (2006) Effect of defoliation management, based on leaf stage, on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth.) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) under dryland conditions. 1. Regrowth, tillering and water‐soluble carbohydrate concentration. Grass and Forage Science 61, 164–174.
| Effect of defoliation management, based on leaf stage, on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth.) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) under dryland conditions. 1. Regrowth, tillering and water‐soluble carbohydrate concentration.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Velikova V, Yordanov I, Edreva A (2000) Oxidative stress and some antioxidant systems in acid rain-treated bean plants: protective role of exogenous polyamines. Plant Science 151, 59–66.
| Oxidative stress and some antioxidant systems in acid rain-treated bean plants: protective role of exogenous polyamines.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Wang YR, Yu L, Nan ZB, Liu YL (2004) Vigor tests used to rank seed lot quality and predict field emergence in four forage species. Crop Science 44, 535–541.
| Vigor tests used to rank seed lot quality and predict field emergence in four forage species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Wang WQ, Liu SJ, Song SQ, Møller IM (2015) Proteomics of seed development, desiccation tolerance, germination and vigor. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 86, 1–15.
| Proteomics of seed development, desiccation tolerance, germination and vigor.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 25461695PubMed |
Watts KA (2008) Carbohydrates in forage: what is a safe grass? In ‘Advances in equine nutrition’. Vol. 4. (Ed. JD Pagan) pp. 29–42. (Proceedings Kentucky Equine Research: Kentucky, USA)
Wojtyla Ł, Lechowska K, Kubala S, Garnczarska M (2016) Different modes of hydrogen peroxide action during seed germination. Frontiers in Plant Science 7, 66.
| Different modes of hydrogen peroxide action during seed germination.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26870076PubMed |
Wu X, Liu H, Wang W, Chen S, Hu X, Li C (2011) Proteomic analysis of seed viability in maize. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 33, 181–191.
| Proteomic analysis of seed viability in maize.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Yin G, Xin X, Song C, Chen X, Zhang J, Wu S, Li R, Liu X, Lu X (2014) Activity levels and expression of antioxidant enzymes in the ascorbate–glutathione cycle in artificially aged rice seed. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 80, 1–9.
| Activity levels and expression of antioxidant enzymes in the ascorbate–glutathione cycle in artificially aged rice seed.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24705135PubMed |
Young WC, Chilcote DO, Youngberg HW (1996) Annual ryegrass seed yield response to grazing during early stem elongation. Agronomy Journal 88, 211–215.
| Annual ryegrass seed yield response to grazing during early stem elongation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
