SummaryIn these experiments lodging not only decreased the number of seeds harvested, but also had an effect in determining which spikelets on the ear set most seed. These data have also shown that many more seeds are set than are harvested, even when the crop is not lodged. It is suggested that there is a lack of assimilate supply to fill the developing seeds, some of which abort, allowing the remainder to attain a viable seed weight. Mechanical support of the crop may increase the assimilate supply to the seed thus allowing seed further up the ear and spikelet to develop fully.
The effects of lodging on the seed yield of S. 23 and S. 24 perennial ryegrass were investigated in a series of field experiments from 1973 to 1976. Natural lodging severely reduced seed yield in all years as a result of a decrease in the number of seeds per unit area. Controlled lodging at different stages of crop growth produced more variable results, indicating that lodging may affect both pollination and seed development. Disturbance of the crop during anthesis in order to aid pollination did not improve seed yields, possibly as a result of damage incurred.
SummaryThe effects of maleic hydrazide (MH) and chlorocholine chloride (CCC) on S. 23 perennial ryegrass grown for seed were investigated in a series of field experiments from 1972 to 1974. MH significantly decreased straw length and lodging, but also decreased all yield components, seed yield and germination percentage. All growth stages and harvest date were delayed and the seed production mechanism impaired. CCC had little effect on length of fertile tillers or lodging but seed yield was increased in 1972 and 1973 when the chemical was applied at spikelet initiation. In 1972 an increase in 1000-grain weight and in 1973 small but insignificant increases in numbers of fertile tillers and seeds per spikelet were responsible. This chemical had no visible effects on the growth and development of the crop or on germination percentage of the seed.
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