Partial Defoliation Stimulates Growth of Arizona Cottontop

Abstract

Responses of Arizona cottontop to partial defoliation were determined by removal of the terminal growing point in the latter half of July of basal culms that were in various stages of development at the time. If soil moisture was available cottontop responded well to grazing throughout its growing season. Removal of the growing point stimulated axillary shoot growth regardless of the stage of development.