Effect of forage removal at the first detectable node stage on the growth of winter and spring triticale

Abstract

AbstractThe effect of forage removal on the growth of five winter and five spring triticale genotypes was studied in 1992 and 1993 in field experiments in north‐eastern Spain. When cut, winter triticales produced more biomass and leaf area than spring types owing to their higher tillering capacity. The leaf area index (LAI) at anthesis was similar in both groups in both clipped and uncut plots, but spring triticales had a greater leaf area on the main stem than winter types. Winter types had a greater leaf area on the tillers than spring types. Spring and winter types had a similar physiological response to forage removal, except for modifications in flag leaf area. In spring types triticale flag leaf area was reduced by clipping, whereas in winter types flag leaf area was increased. Forage removal resulted in less dry‐matter accumulation in all plant parts, maximum weight of the plant being reduced by about 20% and the rate of growth by around 13%. LAI at anthesis decreased by 37% as a result of clipping, and the leaf area duration from anthesis to maturity decreased by 36%. The duration of growth increased after clipping. Heading, anthesis and maturity dates were delayed by clipping, but grain filling duration was not affected.