Greater bud outgrowth of Bromus inermis than Pascopyrum smithii under multiple environmental conditions

Abstract

Tiller recruitment of perennial grasses in mixed-grass prairie primarily occurs from belowground buds. Environmental conditions, such as temperature, soil moisture and grazing can affect bud outgrowth of both invasive and native perennial grasses. Differential bud outgrowth responses of native and invasive species to climate change and grazing could alter competitive interactions that have implications for future land management. The aims of this work were to (i) compare how spring temperature altered bud outgrowth of native Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) Á. Löve (western wheatgrass) and introduced Bromus inermis Leyss.(smooth brome), (ii) compare how watering frequency altered bud outgrowth of these two species and (iii) evaluate how clipping interacts with spring temperature or watering frequency to affect P. smithii bud outgrowth.

Citation

Ott, Jacqueline P.; Butler, Jack L.; Rong, Yuping; Xu, Lan. 2017. Greater bud outgrowth of Bromus inermis than Pascopyrum smithii under multiple environmental conditions. Journal of Plant Ecology. 10(3): 518-527.