Growth and carbon allocation of Agropyron desertorum following autumn defoliation
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Authors: R. F. Miller, and J. A. Rose
Date: 1992
Journal: Oecologia
Volume: 89
Number: 4
Pages: 482-486
Summary of Methods: Miller and Rose measured the effects of simulated autumn herbivory on crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) tiller mortality and plant growth. Tiller recruitment was lower in the autumn defoliated treatment in both years compared with the control because of the cessation of tiller development following autumn defoliation. Autumn defoliation also significantly reduced the movement of 13C to the roots in 1988 but not in 1989. Over-winter tiller mortality and soil water depletion rates were not different between treatments. These results suggest that defoliation of newly initiated fall tillers will not have lasting effects on plant and tiller production at this Oregon site.
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: allocation, defoliation, tiller, roots, crested wheatgrass, agropyron desertorum
Annotation: During summer dormancy in August of 1988 and 1989, the previous season standing crop was mowed to a 30-mm stubble height. In 10 plots, autumn-initiated tillers were defoliated to a 50-mm stubble height in mid-October. Aboveground biomass was determined by clipping plots to a 30-mm stubble height. Tiller density was recorded just prior to autumn defoliation in mid October and again in early spring (April).
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