Physiological and agronomic studies on prairie grass (Bromus catharticus)

Abstract

In a study to assess the potentiality of a plant as an agricultural crop, the aim of the investigation is that of studying the growth of that plant in certain environments; in particular, in relation to those factors which may be of importance in the performance of the plant in the field. In the grasses it would thus be appropriate to study such environmental factors as light intensity, temperature, nutrient level and photoperiodic variation in their effect on the growth and development of that plant, and to observe how the plant would respond to certain agronomic treatments typical of grassland farming, such as cutting and manurial treatments and competition between and within the species. Some common temperate grasses have been extensively studied under varying environmental conditions. In New Zealand, Mitchell has made comprehensive studies of some of the common herbage grasses grown in agriculture and using both glasshouses and controlled-environment cabinets, he has thrown some light into the pattern of growth and development as affected by the environments on these species, (Mitchell 1953 a, b; 1954 a, b; 1955; 1956 a, b; 1960), while root development of some of these species as affected by the aerial environments was studied by Jacques (1937, 1939, 1941, 1943, 1944, 1952). Bromus catharticus is a temperate grass extensively grown and used in Latin America. Its performance in New Zealand is not fully known. Some reports of its value on some farms are encouraging, (Syme 1943, Crawford 1960), especially as regards its function as a winter grass. However, there appeared to be some need for further knowledge of its growth and developmental behaviour under various treatments. Hence the aim of the investigations to be reported was an attempt to understand the physiological response of this species to certain environmental factors in the hope that the results may be of some value towards the understanding of this species as a pasture plant.