Variation in the reproductive development of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars

Authors

  • C.M. Wims
  • J.M. Lee
  • L. Rossi
  • D.F. Chapman

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33584/jnzg.2014.76.2938

Abstract

Abstract Plant breeding has manipulated the flowering behaviour of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) by developing later-heading cultivars. However, the impacts of breeding on the intensity and temporal distribution of flowering are not known. This study compared the reproductive development of 23 perennial ryegrass cultivar/endophyte combinations. In the Waikato and Canterbury, two replicate plots were closed from grazing and tillers were collected every two weeks over a 10-week period during late spring and early summer. Plant development stage was determined for each tiller using a quantitative scale, which was then used to calculate the mean stage count of each cultivar. The rate and timing of reproductive development differed among cultivars. Mid-maturing cultivars matured earlier at both sites compared with late- and very late-maturing cultivars. While the intensity of flowering was similar between maturity groups, the temporal distribution of flowering varied: the late- and very late-maturing cultivars had lower proportions of reproductive tillers early in the season. Keywords: Lolium perenne L., reproductive development, flowering behaviour

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Published

2014-01-01

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Section

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