Relative Growth Rates under controlled temperatures of some New Zealand indigenous and introduced grasses

Abstract

Relative Growth Rates (RGR) (% per day) of whole seedlings were determined under controlled conditions at mean temperatures of 9°, 12°, 18°, and 27°c, with a 14 or 15 hr photoperiod, and high nutrient supply. The highest observed RGRs and corresponding temperatures were, for the indigenous species: Chionochloa rigida 4% at 9°; C. subra 5% at 12°; Notodanthonia penicillata 10% at 27°; Festuca novae-zelandiae lowland form 9% at 18°, high-altitude form 9% at 12°; Poa caespitosa 9% at 27°; P. colensoi 9% at 18°; Hierochloe redolens 14% at 18°; and for the introduced species: Anthoxanthum odoratum 15% at 18°; Agrostis tenuis 20% at 18°; Dactylis glomerata 19% at 18°; Secale cereale 20% at 18°; and Lolium perenne 22% at 18°. The relationship between the species was altered by nutrient supply rate.