Complementary dominance of Themida triandra and Panicum maximum examined through shoot production.

Abstract

Sustained regrowth after defoliation was typical of P. maximum plants grown in the shade, whereas T. triandra plants were weakened under these conditions. Of three provenances of T. triandra tested, the Lowveld form was less tolerant of shading than either the Bushveld or Sourveld form. All of the grass plants responded to shading by showing an increase of leaf area. High moisture levels consistently recorded in leaves of P. maximum were thought to enhance its palatability and thereby promote its selective removal by grazing in open areas where T. triandra thus becomes dominant.

Keywords: defoliation; dominance; eastern cape; grasses; grazing; leaf area; leaves; palatability; panicum maximum; plants; production; regrowth; shading; shoot production; sourveld; south africa