Planting Density and Irrigation Timing Affects Cleistogenes songorica Seed Yield Sustainability

• DOI: 10.2134/agronj14.0111
• Publication Date: 2014-08-01T19:57:12Z
• Authors: Xin Yong Li; Yan Rong Wang; Xue Wei; Jian Hui Tai; Cun Zhi Jia; Xiao Wen Hu; Jason A.K. Trethewey
• Keywords: ANZSRC::3004 Crop and pasture production; 0106 biological sciences; 2. Zero hunger; 570; grass; land and farm management; ANZSRC::060703 Plant Developmental and Reproductive Biology; plant density; crop production; ANZSRC::070305 Crop and Pasture Improvement (Selection and Breeding); ANZSRC::3002 Agriculture; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; 630; 12. Responsible consumption; seed yield; ANZSRC::070302 Agronomy

Native grasses play an important role in the sustainable development of grassland animal husbandry, land protection, and lawn industry. However, with seed yields often low variable, it is necessary to develop techniques for increasing production these species. From 2007 2012, field trials using nine planting densities (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50 plants m −2 ) were conducted arid region China. The effect density on yield its components was investigated a drought‐tolerant grass species, Cleistogenes songorica (Roshev.) Ohwi. Seed persistence response seasonal rainfall during also examined. highest obtained at 30 , mean 500 kg ha −1 over 6 yr. Among components, number fertile tillers had greatest influence yield. percentage actual vs. potential 40 47%. There positive correlation between precipitation heading flowering stages. present study showed that C. can be used least six consecutive harvests. Irrigation stages may increase .