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Chlorophyll, Dry Matter, and Photosynthetic Conversion-Efficiency Relationships in Warm-season Grasses
Author
Bokari, U. G.
Publisher
Society for Range Management
Publication Year
1983-07-01
Body

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between leaf chlorophyll content, dry matter production, and the photosynthetic conversion efficiency in several warm-season grasses. These included Old World bluestems (Bothriochloa spp.), eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides (L)L.], and weeping lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula (Schradd) Nees.). Warm-season grasses usually operate on the C4-photosynthetic pathway and are considered photosynthetically more efficient than the cool-season grasses under high temperature and high light intensity conditions. Samples for chlorophyll analysis and dry matter production were taken from 3 to 5, 0.5 M2 quadrates per pasture at each phenological stage. Photosynthetically active irradiance (400-700 nm) was measured with a quantum sensor. Results indicated close correlation between chlorophyll and dry matter production. Increase in total chlorophyll was associated with increase in dry matter. Chlorophyll a/b ratio remained almost constant throughout the growing season. Solar energy conversion-efficiency ranged from 0.54% to 0.73% for various strains of Old World bluestems, 0.51% for eastern gamagrass and 0.44% for weeping lovegrass. It was demonstrated through this study that warm-season grasses, like many other plants, are not very efficient utilizers of the enormous amounts of incoming solar energy. These grasses maintained high productivity throughout the growing season by maintaining high levels of chlorophyll in the leaves. This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information. Migrated from OJS platform August 2020

Language
en
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Journal Issue/Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.2307/3897933
Additional Information
Bokari, U. G. (1983). Chlorophyll, dry matter, and photosynthetic conversion-efficiency relationships in warm-season grasses. Journal of Range Management, 36(4), 431-434.
ISSN
0022-409X
OAI Identifier
oai:repository.arizona.edu:10150/645837
Journal Volume
36
Journal Number
4
Journal Pages
431-434
Collection
Rangeland Ecology & Management (REM)
Journal Name
Journal of Range Management
Keywords
Bothriochloa spp.
Tripsacum dactyloides
Eragrostis curvula
solar-energy conversion