Tillering at the Reproductive Stage in Hardinggrass

Abstract

Depression of tillering near the onset of flowering is characteristic of several perennial grasses. This was studied in hardinggrass by producing for comparison at one time both vegetative and reproductive plants through manipulation of daylength and temperature. Reduced tillering at the heading stage is associated with some aspect of the reproductive condition, as well as with the increasing dryness and temperature which may exist at this stage of growth in the field. Grazing to remove elongating flowering culms will stimulate tillering if conditions favorable for growth prevail.