Abstract
Tillering is defined as the process of above-ground shoot production by a single plant. The number of grass tillers is one of the most important parameters in ecology and breeding studies. The number of tillers is usually determined by manually counting the separated shoots from a single plant. Unfortunately, this method is too time-consuming. In this study, a new method for counting grass tillers based on image analysis is presented. The usefulness of the method was evaluated for five grass species, Phleum pratense, Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca pratensis and Bromus unioloides. The grass bunches were prepared for analysis by cutting and tip painting. The images obtained were analysed using an automatic procedure with separation of shoots and other objects based on morphological parameters. It was found that image analysis allows for very quick and accurate counting of grass tillers. However, the set of morphological parameters for object recognition must be selected individually for different grass species. This method can be recommended as a replacement for the traditional, time-consuming method in grass breeding.
Highlights
IntroductionVariation in grass architecture (e.g. tillering, branching, leafage) profoundly affects light capture, competition and reproductive success and is responsive to environmental factors such as crowding and nutrients limitation
Variation in grass architecture profoundly affects light capture, competition and reproductive success and is responsive to environmental factors such as crowding and nutrients limitation
The results present a good separation for shoot tips from the bunch images of all tested grass species
Summary
Variation in grass architecture (e.g. tillering, branching, leafage) profoundly affects light capture, competition and reproductive success and is responsive to environmental factors such as crowding and nutrients limitation. The number of grass tillers is a characteristic for a particular species and varieties of plants and is usually determined by different environmental factors, such as soil parameters, climate, pathogens and pests (He et al 2004; Kluse and Diaz 2005; Skalova 2010). The number of grass tillers is an important parameter from the breeders’ point of view. Jeżowski (2008) reported that tillering and bunch diameter in the early stage of growing were the two most important traits influencing the biomass yield of Miscanthus clones. Tillering determination helps to identify highyielding clones or varieties in the search for effective selection of grass hybrids during breeding.
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