Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences
J. Anim. Plant Sci. [ISSN 2071 - 7024]
Volume 21(3): 3347 - 3355. Published May, 2014.
Response of Fertile Tiller Characteristics and Seed Yield of Elymus sibiricus L. to Row Space Alteration
Jinping Liu1 and Minghong You2
1 School of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong, 637009, China
2 Sichuan Academy of Grassland Sciences, Chengdu, 611743, China
Corresponding author email: Jinping Liu Ph.D., E-mail: jpgg2000@163.com
Keywords: Elymus sibiricus L.; row spacing; seed yield; setting percentage.
1 SUMMARY
In order to investigate the influence of different row
spacing on fertile tiller characteristics and seed yield of Elymus
sibiricus L., and discussed the most reasonable spacing for the
increase of its seed yield and quality, we conducted the present study.
E. sibiricus L. cv. chuancao no.2 was allocated to plots in a
randomized block design with five row gradients (30, 45, 60, 75 and 90
cm), and the characteristics of the shoots, inflorescence and seed
yield were measured and analyzed. The results showed: First, row
spacing showed highly significant effects on the numbers of tillers,
ratio of fertile tillers, number of fertile tillers per square meter,
height and diameter of fertile tillers This resulted in very
significant differences among the lengths and diameters of the ear
stalks, length of cobs, and number of spikelets and florets per fertile
tiller. These results eventually led to differences among the setting
percentage, presentation seed yield, and harvested seed yield. However,
the total number of florets per square meter (m2) and potential seed
yield remained stable with the different row spacing. Partial
correlation analysis further showed the following: Plant height was the
main factor affecting the setting percentage. Ear stalk length
reflected the number of spikelets and seeds of the fertile tillers and
harvested seed yield. Therefore, we may predict the setting percentage
and seed yield by the plant height and ear stalk length. The 1000-seed
weight and other parameters were relatively stable traits, which only
had very low correlations among each other. The comprehensive
experimental data showed that sowing with row spacing of 60 cm resulted
in the highest potential seed yield, presentation seed yield and
harvested seed yield, which is worthy of application in practice.
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