Is the flag leaf important in perennial ryegrass seed production?

Abstract

In cereals, the importance of the flag leaf for contributing carbohydrate during seed fill is well documented. However, in ryegrass this relationship is not so clear. This paper reports on an investigation of the effect on seed yield components of reduced photosynthetic capacity to the flag leaf, stem and head of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). The hypothesis was that reduced photosynthetic capacity of the flag leaf does not affect seed yield components in perennial ryegrass. Following flowering, photosynthetic capacity was reduced by defoliation or shading the flag leaf, stem, or head of individual tillers. Seed yield components were measured at harvest. Reduced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) to the flag leaf and stem did not affect thousand seed weight or seed yield when compared with control plants whereas reducing PAR to the head had a significant effect. The seed head itself may be more important than the flag leaf during seed fill, but when the seed head is shaded substantial re-mobilisation of stored carbohydrates can occur. Keywords: flag leaf, green leaf area, Lolium perenne, photosynthetically active radiation, seed fill, seed yield, thousand seed weight, water-soluble carbohydrates