Abstract

Guayule (Parthenium argentatum A. Gray) plants of USDA lines 11604,12229 and 11591 were subjected to irrigation regimes of 300,450, and 650 mm/per year and clipped at different ages over a period of several years. Survival, regrowth rates, biomass production, and rubber and resin accumulation in the plants after cutting at ground level were monitored. A survival rate of 92-100% was recorded in plants clipped in February (end of the dormant period) or October (just before the dormant period). In plants cut in summer (July) survival was less and presumably dependent on plant water status and age. No significant differences were evident among the different lines. The best plant development as determined by rate of height increase occurred in plants clipped in February. Total biomass production and total rubber yield (rubber or biomass at the time of cutting plus rubber or biomass at the second harvest) were lower in clipped than in unclipped plants. The reduction in rubber yield was most pronounced in plants of the medium and high water treatments.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.