Influence of season and intensity of defoliation on bluebunch wheatgrass survival and vigor in southern British Columbia
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Authors: A. McLean, and S. Wikeem
Date: 1985
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 38
Number: 1
Pages: 21-26
Summary of Methods: Bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum) survival and plant characteristics were measured after plants were exposed to clipping treatments at two sites varying in elevation. Weekly defoliations to a 5-cm stubble height produced the greatest mortality, especially when plants were clipped season long or during the spring growth period (April - June, depending on elevation). Plant survival, leaf height, plant yield and the number of tillers and flowering culms increased as stubble height remaining after clipping increased. Based on these results the authors suggested that bluebunch wheatgrass cannot tolerate severe defoliation, especially during the spring growth period, most likely because stored carbohydrates are reduced by these clipping treatments.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: bluebunch wheatgrass, agropyron spicatum, simulated herbivory, elevation, seasonal growth, vegetation response, mortality
Annotation: Plants were clipped to 5, 10, 15, or 20-cm stubble heights depending on treatment. There was a unclipped control. The authors admit that the clipping treatments did not accurately simulate cattle use.
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