Growth Of Perennial Ryegrass Research Articles

Influence of digested wastewater sludge on early growth of the perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Effects of residual wastewater sludge, amended with zeolites, on the early growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) were investigated. For that purpose growth parameters, content of photosynthetic pigments, substrate characteristics, levels of macro- and micronutrients, as well as toxic elements in plant tissue, plant inorganic matter and substrates, sewage sludge and soil, were determined. Among the growth indicators, only protein content and inorganic matter in plant tissue were found to be influenced by the type and composition of the substrate. Sewage sludge was found to contain elevated levels of Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr and Zn, while Cu and Sn were found in an order of magnitude higher levels compared to the control sample. Application of sewage sludge, however, modified only the content of Cu and Zn in the plant tissue, inducing accumulation of these elements by a factor of 2. Despite the fact that all other measured elements (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ti, U and V) were found in plant tissue at similar level regardless of the substrate metal loading, accumulation indices point to overall lower bioavailability of elements from digested sludge in comparison with control substrate. Moreover, metal concentrations in all analyzed plant samples were below legally established limits.

Population Structure, Genetic Variation, and Linkage Disequilibrium in Perennial Ryegrass Populations Divergently Selected for Freezing Tolerance.

Low temperature is one of the abiotic stresses seriously affecting the growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and freezing tolerance is a complex trait of major agronomical importance in northern and central Europe. Understanding the genetic control of freezing tolerance would aid in the development of cultivars of perennial ryegrass with improved adaptation to frost. The plant material investigated in this study was an experimental synthetic population derived from pair-crosses among five European perennial ryegrass genotypes, representing adaptations to a range of climatic conditions across Europe. A total number of 80 individuals (24 of High frost [HF]; 29 of Low frost [LF], and 27 of Unselected [US]) from the second generation of the two divergently selected populations and an unselected (US) control population were genotyped using 278 genome-wide SNPs derived from perennial ryegrass transcriptome sequences. Our studies investigated the genetic diversity among the three experimental populations by analysis of molecular variance and population structure, and determined that the HF and LF populations are very divergent after selection for freezing tolerance, whereas the HF and US populations are more similar. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay varied across the seven chromosomes and the conspicuous pattern of LD between the HF and LF population confirmed their divergence in freezing tolerance. Furthermore, two Fst outlier methods; finite island model (fdist) by LOSITAN and hierarchical structure model using ARLEQUIN, both detected six loci under directional selection. These outlier loci are most probably linked to genes involved in freezing tolerance, cold adaptation, and abiotic stress. These six candidate loci under directional selection for freezing tolerance might be potential marker resources for breeding perennial ryegrass cultivars with improved freezing tolerance.

Genotypic variation in growth and metabolic responses of perennial ryegrass exposed to short-term waterlogging and submergence stress

Physiological mechanisms of waterlogging (WL) and submergence (SM) tolerance are not well understood in perennial grasses used for turf and forage. The objective of this study was to characterize growth, antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) exposed to short-term WL and SM. ‘Silver Dollar’ (turf-type cultivar), ‘PI418714’ (wild accession), ‘Kangaroo Valley’ (forage-type cultivar) and ‘PI231569’ (unknown status) varying in growth habits and leaf texture were subjected to 7 d of WL and SM in a growth chamber. Plant height was unaffected by WL but was significantly reduced by SM for all grasses except PI418714. The SM treatment caused greater reductions in leaf chlorophyll and total carotenoid concentrations. Substantial declines in water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations were found in the shoots and roots under SM, particularly in Kangaroo Valley and PI231569, two relatively fast-growing genotypes. Significant increases in malondialdehyde concentrations were noted in the shoots and roots of all genotypes exposed to WL and SM, but to a greater extent in Kangaroo Valley and PI231569 under SM. Shoot activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) increased under SM, more pronounced in Silver Dollar and PI418714, two relatively slow-growing genotypes. Waterlogging or SM stresses decreased root activities of superoxide dismutase, CAT, POD and ascorbate peroxidase, especially for Kangaroo Valley and PI231569. The results indicated that maintenance of antioxidant activity and carbohydrate and minimization of lipid peroxidation could contribute to better waterlogging or submergence tolerance of perennial ryegrasses.

IMPACT OF GROWTH INHIBITOR BERCEMA ON SHOOTS REGROWTH OF PERENNIAL RYEGRASS AND COCKSFOOT

In a pot experiment conducted in a greenhouse, the effect of CCC Bercema growth inhibitor to reduce vegetative shoot growth of perennial ryegrass and cocksfoot was studded. The experiment was set up in triplicate. Growth regulator was applied once, in a form of an aqueous solution. The following experimental objects were specified: control object, Bercema with a concentration of 10%, 20% and 30%. Ten measurements were performed every 3 days. The study was conducted under conditions of 12-hour artificial light daily. The results were statistically analyzed using two-factorial variance analysis . It was found that the greatest shoot growth reduction of ryegrass due to the highest inhibitor concentration (B- 30%), but for cocksfoot under the influ ence of the minimal concentration (B- 10%), compared to the control object. It has been noted that cocksfoot is more sensitive to the applied growth regulator, resulted in significantly greater inhibition of shoot regrowth than for ryegrass. In the experiment with the perennial ryegrass significant differences in the growth of shoots were found under the influence of inhibitor application at a concentration of 30%, compared to the control object. In the case of cocksfoot, all the concentration increases of Bercema inhibitor significantly differentiated the shoots regrowth.

Perennial Ryegrass Growth Responses to Mycorrhizal Infection and Humic Acid Treatments

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis confers numerous benefits to host plants, including improved plant growth and nutrient acquisition efficiency. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of AM fungi (Glomus intraradices and G. mosseae) in the presence of humic acid (HA) spray treatments (0, 100, 400, and 1000 mgL−1) on nutrient (N, P, K, Fe, and Zn) uptake, visual quality and chlorophyll content, root growth and architecture, and colonization of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Speedygreen mixture. The results revealed that HA did not affect plant growth significantly; instead arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) colonization improved dry and fresh weights. Mycorrhizal inoculations significantly increased visual quality (13 and 15% in inoculated plants compared to non‐inoculated ones) that might be at least partly due to elevated total chlorophyll content. The AM inoculation and HA treatment resulted in improved root architecture rather than root biomass production. Neither HA treatments nor mycorrhizal inoculation affected N and Fe contents of the leaves; however P, K, and Zn concentrations improved by AM inoculation. More roots were colonized by G. intraradices than by G. mosseae. These results suggest that AM inoculation is beneficial in enhancing uptake of some nutrients and root development of ryegrass possibly leading to less fertilizer input and more drought resistance.

Mudflat soil amendment by sewage sludge: Soil physicochemical properties, perennial ryegrass growth, and metal uptake

The fast pace of cropland loss in China is causing alarm over food security and China’s ability to remain self-reliant in crop production. Mudflats after organic amendment can be an important alternative cropland in China. Land application of sewage sludge has become a popular organic amendment to croplands in many countries. Nevertheless, the land application of sludge to mudflats has received little attention. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to investigate the impact of sewage sludge amendment (SSA) at 0, 30, 75, 150 and 300 t ha−1 rates on soil physicochemical properties, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) growth and heavy metal accumulation in mudflat soil. The results showed that the application of sewage sludge increased organic matter (OM) content by 3.5-fold while reducing salinity by 76.3% at the 300 t ha−1 rate as compared to unamended soil. The SSA reduced pH, electric conductivity (EC) and bulk density in mudflat soil, increased porosity, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), exchangeable potassium ions (K+), sodium ions (Na+), calcium ions (Ca2+) and magnesium ions (Mg2+) in comparison to unamended soil. There were 98.0, 146.6, 291.4 and 429.2% increases in fresh weight and 92.5, 132.4, 258.6 and 418.9% increases in dry weight of perennial ryegrass at 30, 75, 150, and 300 t ha−1, respectively, relative to unamended soil. The SSA increased metal concentrations of aboveground and root parts of perennial ryegrass (p < 0.05). The metal concentrations in perennial ryegrass were Zn > Cr > Mn > Cu > Cd > Ni, and the metal concentrations in roots were significantly higher than aboveground parts. The metal accumulation in perennial ryegrass correlated positively with sludge application rates and available metal concentrations in mudflat soil. Land application of sewage sludge was proved to be an effective soil amendment that improved soil fertility and promoted perennial ryegrass growth in mudflat soil. However, heavy metal accumulation in plants may cause food safety concern.

Inoculation with microorganisms of Lolium perenne L.: evaluation of plant growth parameters and endophytic colonization of roots

Turfgrasses are not only designed for recreation activities, but they also provide beneficial environmental effects and positively influence the human wellness. Their major problems are predisposition to tearing out and microbial diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the inoculation of microorganisms can be effective to improve plant growth and root development of perennial ryegrass, to evaluate new sustainable practice for green preservation. A microorganism-based commercial product was used to amend hydroponically grown Lolium perenne L. and results compared with the use of the same filtered product, a phytohormone solution and an untreated control. Plants were grown for five weeks, shoots cut and measured at one-week interval and, at the end, roots were measured for length and weight. Shoot resistance to tearing out was also tested. Moreover, the main microbial groups present in the product were characterized and the microbial profile of sand and root samples was investigated by PCR-DGGE. The plants treated with the product showed an increased resistance to tearing out with respect to other treatments and roots were longer with respect to the control. Microbial analyses of the product evidenced bacterial and yeast species with plant growth promoting activity, such as Stenothrophomonas maltophilia, Candida utilis and several Lactobacillus species. Some Lactobacillus strains were also found to be able to colonize plant roots. In conclusion, the treatment with microorganisms has a great potential for the maintenance and increased performance of turfgrass surfaces.

Effects of defoliation intensity at the first grazing of forage rape (Brassica napus L.) by dairy cattle on subsequent regrowth potential, total DM consumed, nutritive characteristics and nutrient selection

The use of summer brassica forage crops in dryland dairy systems in southern Victoria is considered a key component of the feed base as they provide home-grown forage with high nutritive characteristics during a period where perennial ryegrass growth is limited due to high summer temperatures and low soil water content. Current knowledge on the use of single-grazing brassica crops such as turnips (Brassica rapa L.) is well defined; however, information on the management of regrowth brassica species that can provide multiple grazings is more limited. The present experiment determined the effect of different grazing regimes (high, medium and low defoliation intensity) at the first grazing on subsequent regrowth capability and nutritive characteristics of Winfred (Brassica napus L.) over the summer growing period across 2 years. We hypothesised that intensive defoliation of a summer regrowth brassica at the first grazing will result in lower total DM yields and harvested estimated metabolisable energy (ME) and crude protein per hectare for the growing season than do more lax grazing options that results in less DM removal at the first grazing. Total DM and estimated ME consumed over the growing period varied between years. In Year 1, more (P &lt; 0.05) DM was consumed at the first grazing and less (P &lt; 0.05) at the subsequent grazing for the high-intensity treatment. However, both total DM and estimated ME consumed were higher (P &lt; 0.05) for the high-intensity treatment than for the low-intensity treatment, while in Year 2, there were no differences between the treatments. Nutritive characteristics and mineral concentrations were relatively unaffected by grazing regimes. The results of the present experiment indicated that the optimum grazing management to maximise total DM yields and consumption of spring-sown Winfred will vary depending on the seasonal growing conditions. In years where moisture stress will be limiting crop growth, a high defoliation-intensity first grazing that consumes a high proportion of DM on offer, including some of the main stem, will maximise the total DM grown and consumed from the crop. Care, however, should be taken not to remove all axillary buds from the remaining stems. In summers where moisture stress is not likely to seriously restrict crop growth, a medium defoliation-intensity grazing where the leaf and petiole, but little of the stem, are removed will maximise DM regrowth, leading to maximum total DM grown for the season. A high defoliation-intensity first grazing that removes at least half the stem is, under these conditions, likely to remove too many axillary buds and reduce water-soluble carbohydrate reserves required for DM regrowth, while a lax first grazing will result in a lower DM regrowth.

Endophyte-infection reduces leaf dehydration of ryegrass and tall fescue plants under moderate water deficit

Drought stress is one of the limiting factors in perennial ryegrass growth and development. In order to investigate the drought responses among different cultivars and evaluate the role of fungal endophyte in modifying drought responses, a glasshouse experiment was conducted using ryegrass cultivars 'Alto' and 'Banquet II', and a Mediterranean tall fescue cultivar, 'Grasslands Flecha' as contrast with the two ryegrass cultivars. Under drought stress 'Flecha' had a higher stomatal conductance and transpiration rate than the two ryegrass cultivars, and also significantly greater deeproot allocation. Endophyte-infected plants exhibited reduced leaf dehydration under stress compared with endophyte-free plants. Under stress, endophyte-free plants displayed significantly lower relative water content and a more negative leaf water potential and osmotic potential than well-watered endophyte-free plants, whereas endophyte-infected plants displayed smaller and non-significant changes when subjected to water deficit stress. Endophyte-infected plants also had less deep-root allocation than endophyte-free plants. The results of this study increase understanding of the relationship between endophytes and their ryegrass or tall fescue hosts under drought stress. Keywords: deep-root allocation, Epichloë, gas exchange parameters, Neotyphodium, plant water relations, Lolium perenne

Influence of different acid and alkaline cleaning agents on the effects of irrigation of synthetic dairy factory effluent on soil quality, ryegrass growth and nutrient uptake

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of replacement of phosphoric acid with nitric or acetic acid, and replacement of NaOH with KOH, as cleaning agents in dairy factories, on the effects that irrigation of dairy factory effluent (DFE) has on the soil-plant system. A 16-week greenhouse study was carried out in which the effects of addition of synthetic dairy factory effluent containing (a) milk residues alone or milk residues plus (b) H(3)PO(4)/NaOH, (c) H(3)PO(4)/HNO(3)/NaOH or (d) CH(3)COOH/KOH, on soil's chemical, physical and microbial properties and perennial ryegrass growth and nutrient uptake were investigated. The cumulative effect of DFE addition was to increase exchangeable Na, K, Ca, Mg, exchangeable sodium percentage, microbial biomass C and N and basal respiration in the soil. Dry matter yields of ryegrass were increased by additions of DFE other than that containing CH(3)COOH. Plant uptake of P, Ca and Mg was in the same order as their inputs in DFE but for Na; inputs were an order of magnitude greater than plant uptake. Replacement of NaOH by KOH resulted in increased accumulation of exchangeable K. The effects of added NaOH and KOH on promoting breakdown of soil aggregates during wet sieving (and formation of a < 0.25 mm size class) were similar. Replacement of H(2)PO(4) by HNO(3) is a viable but CH(3)COOH appears to have detrimental effects on plant growth. Replacement of NaOH by KOH lowers the likelihood of phytotoxic effects of Na, but K and Na have similar effects on disaggregation.

Analysing time series data of phenotypic measurements - trade-off in sexual reproduction and vegetative growth of perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne )?

Abstract In this example, we analyse repeated phenotypic measurements of perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ) from a greenhouse experiment. We hypothesize that there is a trade-off between sexual reproduction (flower stems) and vegetative propagation (tillers) within polycormons of this species. This is not directly a study of biological invasions; however, we want to find out, if fewer flowering plants (cultivars, in this case) would be more competitive and could invade seminatural grasslands. Similar repeated measures are quite often used in invasion biology. Sexual reproduction or, more precisely, the degree of flowering of the plants, was modified by cold treatments (vernalization). Cold temperature (&lt;6°C) is a prerequisite for flowering of perennial ryegrass. The shorter the cold period, the lower the number of flowering stems that emerge afterwards. In this way, plants (polycormons) of perennial ryegrass with varying numbers of flowering stems were produced, species This forms Supplement D to Thiele J, Markussen B. Potential of GLMM in modelling invasive spread.

Evaluating perennial ryegrass cultivars: improving testing

The agronomic performance of a range of perennial ryegrass cultivar-endophyte combinations was compared in 16 trials conducted at sites throughout New Zealand. Each trial was run for 3 years according to seed industry evaluation protocols, measuring variables including: dry matter (DM) yield (total annual and seasonal DM yield), ryegrass ground cover at the end of 3 years, susceptibility to plant pulling, and rust incidence. The change in DM yield over the 3-year term of each trial was also analysed. There were significant differences among cultivars in total annual DM yield, and in seasonal DM yield for each of the five periods of the year among which yield was split (winter, early spring, late spring, summer, and autumn). Mean annual yield declined between Year 1 and Year 3 in all regions except Taranaki, by between 0.8 t DM/ha (Canterbury) and 5.3 t DM/ha (Waikato). There were significant region, year, region × year, and cultivar × year interactions in yield change. Significant differences in ground cover score for perennial ryegrass at the end of 3 years were recorded among cultivars. However, these differences did not mirror on-farm observations of ryegrass persistence in the Waikato during the drought of 2007/08, suggesting that the standard trial protocols currently used do not adequately test persistence. It is recommended that industry cultivar testing needs to more accurately assess perennial ryegrass persistence, using new protocols including running trials on commercial farms, for more than 3 years, and using mixed swards. Genetic differences in persistence could be generated more quickly by choosing sites known to challenge perennial ryegrass growth and survival. Keywords: perennial ryegrass, cultivar evaluation, DM yield, persistence testing, plant pulling, rust

Effect of Municipal Solid Waste Compost on Mine Soils As Evaluated by Chemical, Biological And Biochemical Properties of Soil

Composts are increasingly used in land rehabilitation because they can improve soil quality and reduce the need for inorganic fertilizers. Their use contributes to an integrated approach to waste management by promoting recycling of nutrients and minimizing final disposal of organic residues that, due to their composition, can pose problems to agricultural soils. We investigated whether compost from mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) could be used to remediate two soils from a mine contaminated with trace elements. One of the soils was less acidic and had a greater content of Cu and Zn while the other had more Pb and a lower pH. The effect of MSW was evaluated by plant growth, trace element leachability, ecotoxicity of soil leachates, and biological and biochemical properties of soils. Growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cv. Victorian) was stimulated in the MSW compost-amended soils compared with respective controls or with acidic soil when limed. After ryegrass had been growing for 119 days, the amount of water-extractable Zn was lower in MSW compost-amended soils, while the opposite was true for water-extractable Cu. Water-extractable Pb increased following MSW compost application to one soil and decreased in the other. The greatest dehydrogenase activity was obtained in amended limed soil, while the number of culturable bacteria and fungi and the activities of cellulase and β-glucosidase were similar in soil that was limed or following MSW compost application. In contrast, urease activity was repressed in limed or MSW compost-amended soils. Leachates from unamended soils were toxic towards Daphnia magna. Liming the very acidic soil led to a decrease in the toxicity of the leachate, but it was only in MSW compost-amended soils that ecotoxicity was no longer detected.

The Allelopathic Potential of Kudzu (Pueraria montana)

We explored the allelopathic potential of kudzu as a function of its phenolics. Aqueous and methanol extracts of different kudzu organs (leaf, stem, root, and seed) were assayed for allelopathy with the use of lettuce and radish seeds. Both leaf and root extracts significantly inhibited all of the measured germination indices (total germination, speed of germination, and coefficient of the rate of germination) (all P &lt; 0.01). When treated with leaf extract, the total germination of both species was ∼ 20% less than the control. Furthermore, the leaf extract significantly reduced the speed of germination to 38 and 53% that of the lettuce and radish controls, respectively. Lettuce and radish seeds soaked in leaf and root extracts for 24 h imbibed less water (∼ 30% for both species) than those soaked in distilled water (control), suggesting that a reduction of water imbibition might be one of the mechanisms of germination retardation. Stem and seed extracts affected neither the water uptake nor the germination indices of radish and lettuce seeds. Kudzu leaves and roots contain higher amounts of total phenolics (P = 0.001) and soluble phenolics (P = 0.005) than stems and seeds, consistent with the results of the germination bioassays. In agar plate bioassays, both litter and rhizosphere soil had phytotoxic effects on the radicle growth of radish (P = 0.003) and perennial ryegrass (P = 0.001) seedlings. Perennial ryegrass and cobbler's pegs seedlings grown on leaf and root leachate-amended soil gave ∼ 40% shorter roots and shoots and ∼ 50% less dry weight than those grown in leachate-free soil. Kudzu litter was incorporated and incubated in soil for 6 wk, at which point the soluble phenolics in the soil solution were at a level (&gt; 150 ppm) considered to be allelopathic.

Herbage production from perennial ryegrass and tall fescue pastures under irrigation inthe Canterbury and Waikato regions of New Zealand

The major limitation to perennial ryegrass-based systems is low soil moisture which reduces perennial ryegrass growth. irrigation can maintain adequate soil moisture levels for pasture growth, however, the associated cost requires high levels of forage water use efficiency.

Polyacrylate polymers as immobilizing agents to aid phytostabilization of two mine soils

AbstractWe evaluated the effect of polyacrylate polymers as immobilizing agents to aid phytostabilization of two mine soils. One soil had a very low pH (3.7) and a large Pb content, while the other was less acidic but had a greater content of Cu and Zn. Growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cv. Victorian) was stimulated in polymer‐amended soils. After ryegrass had been growing for 35 days, the amounts of water‐extractable Cu, Zn and Pb (one soil only) present in the polymer‐amended soils were smaller than those from soil without polymer. The number of culturable heterotrophic bacteria and the activities of dehydrogenase and β‐glucosidase increased following polymer application. In contrast, the urease activity was impaired by polymer application, presumably because of the presence of ammonium as a counter ion. In another experiment, the acidic soil was limed to pH 6.5 before growth of perennial ryegrass took place. Liming the soil greatly enhanced plant growth, but by the third cut, differences between treatments became apparent, with plants from polymer‐amended limed soil accumulating a greater biomass compared with limed soil without polymer. After ryegrass had been growing for 119 days (five cuts), the amount of water‐extractable Pb and the urease activity in the polymer‐amended soil were smaller than those from limed soil without polymer. The numbers of culturable heterotrophic bacteria and the activities of dehydrogenase, β‐glucosidase and acid phosphatase increased following polymer application. The results are consistent with phytostabilization being achieved by the application of polyacrylate polymers, improving soil chemical and biological properties. In very acidic soils, the use of both a liming material and polymer together appears to give a considerable advantage.

Interannual variation in pasture growth rate in Australian and New Zealand dairy regions and its consequences for system management

The profitability of dairy farms in Australia and New Zealand is closely related to the amount of pasture dry matter consumed per hectare per year. There is variability in the pasture growth curve within years (seasonal variation) and between years (interannual variation) in all dairy regions in both countries. Therefore, the biological efficiency of production systems depends on the accuracy and timeliness of the many strategic and tactical decisions that influence the balance between feed supply and demand over an annual cycle. In the case of interannual variation, decisions are made with only limited quantitative information on the range of possible pasture growth outcomes. To address this limitation, we used the biophysical simulation model ‘DairyMod’ to estimate mean monthly herbage accumulation rates of annual or perennial ryegrass-based pastures in 100 years (1907–2006) for five Australian sites (Kyabram in northern Victoria, Terang in south-west Victoria, Ellinbank in Gippsland, Elliott in north-west Tasmania and Vasse in south-west Western Australia) and in 35 years (1972–2006) for three sites in New Zealand (Hamilton in the Waikato, Palmerston North in the Manawatu and Winchmore in Canterbury). The aim was to evaluate whether or not a probabilistic approach to the analysis of pasture growth could provide useful information to support decision making. For the one site where annual ryegrass was simulated, Vasse, the difference between the 25th and 75th percentile years was 20 kg DM/ha.day or less in all months when pasture growth occurred. Irrigation at Kyabram and Winchmore also resulted in a narrow range of growth rates in most months. For non-irrigated sites, the 25th–75th percentile range was narrow (10–15 kg DM/ha.day) from May or June through to September or October, because plant available soil water was adequate to support perennial ryegrass growth, and the main source of interannual variability was variation in temperature. Outside of these months, however, variability in growth was large. There was a positive relationship between total annual herbage accumulation rate and mean stocking for four southern Australian regions (northern Victoria, south-west Victoria, Gippsland and Tasmania), but there was evidence of a negative relationship between the co-efficient of variation in pasture growth and stocking rate. The latter suggests that farmers do account for risk in pasture supply in their stocking rate decisions. However, for the one New Zealand region included in this analysis, Waikato, stocking rate was much higher than would be expected based on the variability in pasture growth, indicating that farmers in this region have well defined decision rules for coping with feed deficits or surpluses. Model predictions such as those presented here are one source of information that can support farm management decision making, but should always be coupled with published data, direct experience, and other relevant information to analyse risk for individual farm businesses.

Influence of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Endophyte Infection on Ecophysiological Parameters and Mineral Element Content of Perennial Ryegrass

An experiment was designed to determine the effect of the fungal endophyte Neotyphodium lolii on the growth, physiological parameters and mineral element content of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perennel L.), when growing at two N supply levels. Endophyte infection had a significant positive effect on both shoot and root growth of ryegrass, but this difference was only significant in the high N supply treatment. At high N supply, endophyte-infected (EI) plants accumulated more soluble sugar in the sheath and the root than endophyte-free (EF) plants. Endophyte infection affected mineral element concentrations in the root more than in the shoot. We found a significant effect of endophyte infection on B, Mn and Mg in the root, but significant effect was only found on B in the shoot. EI plants tended to accumulate less B in the shoot at both N levels, but accumulated more B, Mn and Mg in the root at low N levels. The difference of growth parameters in different periods was significant. The content of soluble sugar and crude protein in the sheath were also dependent on the growth stages of both EI and EF plants.

Does fructan have a functional role in physiological traits? Investigation by quantitative trait locus mapping

* The role of fructan in growth and drought-stress responses of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was investigated in an F(2) mapping family that segregates for carbohydrate metabolism. * A quantitative trait locus approach was used to compare the genetic control of traits. * Growth and drought-stress traits were extremely variable within the family. Most traits had high broad-sense heritability. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified for most traits; the maximum number of QTL per trait was four. Between 11% and 75% of total phenotypic variation was explained. Few growth-trait QTL coincided with previously identified fructan QTL. A cluster of drought-trait QTL was close to two previously identified regions of the genome with tiller base fructan QTL in repulsion. * The high sugar parent contributed few alleles that increased 'reserve-driven' growth or performance during drought-stress. Correlation of growth and drought-stress traits with fructan content was low and increasing fructan content per se would not appear to improve drought resistance. Complex patterns of carbohydrate partitioning and metabolism within the cell may explain contradictory relationships between carbohydrate content and growth/stress-resistance traits.

Effect of surface application of benzylaminopurine before and during water deficit on herbage production and quality

Insufficient water availability is one of the most serious environmental stresses for a plant and can be a major limitation to herbage production in many regions. Plant hormones, such as cytokinins, have been reported to reduce the detrimental effects of low water availability in many different plant species. However, there is little research available concerning the effect on pasture grasses. The aim of the present study was to quantify the effect of surface applications of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) before and during water deficit on herbage growth and quality of perennial ryegrass–white clover pastures. Pastures fertilised with BAP were compared with unfertilised pastures and pastures receiving nitrogen. Exogenous BAP application did not significantly affect herbage production or quality relative to unfertilised pastures. Nitrogen fertiliser increased total herbage production, but had little effect on herbage quality compared with BAP. The failure of surface applications of exogenous BAP to improve herbage production or quality suggests that it is not an appropriate method to enhance plant tolerance to water deficit at the concentration applied in this study.