The Growth Response of Pasture Brome (Bromus valdivianus Phil.) to Defoliation Frequency under Two Soil-Water Restriction Levels

Pasture brome (Bromus valdivianus Phil.) has the potential to increase current levels of herbage production and pasture persistence in New Zealand dryland, well-drained soils. However, there is little literature on effect defoliation management growth this grass under contrasting soil-water restriction levels. The physiology performance were evaluated pots a glasshouse. Defoliation frequency (DF) treatments applied based three different accumulated growing degree-days (AGDD): 250, 500 1000 AGDD (high, medium, low DF). At end first cycle (1000 AGDD), water availability was restricted 20–25% field capacity (FC) half pots, while other maintained between 80–85% FC. Total mass positively related with DF well-watered conditions (p < 0.05). final harvest, plants subjected had greater root than high medium each leaf regrowth stage (LS) for 3.5, DF, LS 1.5 2.0; respectively. Tiller water-soluble carbohydrates highest at Regardless conditions, 3.5 supports production, enhancing survival during drought.