Theoretical predictions and experimental testing of intraspecific competition. II. Shoot-formation, development, model.

摘要

Single species swards of Lolium multiflorum var. westerwoldicum were grown at 125 and 450 plants per m2 and given different nutrition treatments including N, Ca, K, P and Mg. Data on changes in the number and mass of shoots, mass of roots, durationof different growth stages, relative rates of shoot formation and rate of tillering are given. The rates of shoot formation and biomass production were limited by the same factors. Mathematical formulae predicting average rate of tillering and the ratesof vegetative and reproductive tillering are presented. The rate of transformation into the reproductive state was a function of the relative growth rate. Differences in growth stage within the sward at a given moment was observed. Those plants which outstripped their competitors in terms of growth stage at a given moment were generally lower in weight and had fewer shoots.