COMPARATIVE GROWTH OF THE AUSTRALIAN TEMPERATE PASTURE GRASSES: PHALARIS TUBEROSA L., DACTYLIS GLOMERATAL. AND FESTUCA ARUNDINACEA SCHREB

Abstract

AbstractA study of the factors controlling productivity (dry‐matter production) during early growth was made for the four perennial temperate pasture grasses: Phalaris tuberosa L. cvs. Australian and sirosa (Australian Phalaris and sirosa Phalaris, Festuca arundinacea Schreb. cv. derneter (demeter fescue) and Dactylis glomerata L. cv. currie (currie cocksfoot). A detailed analysis was made of the partitioning of dry matter into the separate leaf and sheath fractions on the main shoot and tillers.In the period covering early growth (up to 71 days from sowing), a high relative growth rate was associated with a high rate of leaf appearance in currie cocksfoot, enhanced by a high tillering capacity. As a result, currie cocksfoot, although initially the smallest in size, increased its productivity to outyield Australian phalaris and equal that of sirosa phalaris and demeter fescue. The last two cultivars consistently showed higher productivity than Australian phalaris and currie cocksfoot throughout most of early growth. This was attributed to high leaf growth rates resulting in bigger leaf areas. A high leaf extension rate was associated with higher productivity.