The use of light-proof boxes for the measurements of plant vigour in cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L) and lucerne (Medicago sativa L)

Abstract

The light-proof box method was used to measure the potential vigour of cocksfoot and lucerne plants which had previously been subjected to different cutting frequencies. The yields of etiolated regrowth in cocksfoot plants that were well supplied with soil moisture declined with each successive harvest. In the lucerne trial the soil moisture content varied over a wide range and the etiolated regrowth yields correlated well with soil moisture content. The amount of etiolated regrowth made during the first twenty days in both species was closely correlated with the total amount for the different treatments and therefore it was unnecessary to continue harvesting plants until growth ceased. Weight per growing organ was shown to be the most sensitive measure of plant vigour.

Keywords: cutting trials|pastures|organs|treatments|etiolated regrowth|harvest periods|Cedara|soil moisture|regrowth vegetation|growth|plants|vigour|cocksfoot|lucerne|methods|defoliation frequencies