RHIZOMES IN THE SOURCE-SINK SYSTEM OF PERENNIAL CEREALS

Morphophysiological characteristics of rhizomes and growth relationships between underground shoots and aboveground shoots were studied in two species of perennial cereals – Hungarian brome (Bromopsis inermis (Leyss.) Holub.) and reed canary-grass (Phalaroides arundinacea (L.) Rauschert). The role of the underground shoot complex in the source–sink system of perennial rhizome-forming cereals is determined by a significant proportion of rhizomes in plant biomass (40%), formation of a large amount of meristems in the underground stock of vegetative reproduction (more than 50000 per 1 m2). A negative correlation between the growth processes during the formation of aboveground and underground shoots was shown that reflects a time separation of the sexual reproduction and vegetative propagation, necessary for the optimal use of assimilates during a seed ripening and rhizome growth.
No pronounced growth response was found in the rhizome upon plant treatment with growth regulators (GA and chlorocholine chloride) and upon decapitation of plant shoots.
It is concluded that the underground shoot complex of the perennial monocotyledonous herbaceous plants is relatively autonomous from the aboveground shoots.

International Symposium on Source-Sink Relationships in Plants

S.P. Maslova

Bromopsis inermis, Phalaroides arundinacea, rhizomes, source¿sink system, growth regulators, decapitation, underground stock of meristems

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.835.11