Field measurement of etiolated growth of rhizomatous grasses

Abstract

Defoliation effects on grasses have been quantified with measurements of etiolated growth since the 1960's, however, field techniques for measuring etiolated growth of rhizomatous grasses with dispersed tillers have not been reported. Tents constructed with landscape fabric were used in a field study of 2 species of rhizomatous grass. When manufactured, the woven polypropylene fabric is needle punched for air and water permeability. Light that may pass through perforations has no measurable effect on etiolated growth as indicated by a test of single and double layers of fabric. Tents can be sized to shade borders around interior sample areas to prevent translocation from outside tillers to harvested tillers. Landscape fabric tents are light weight and reusable and eliminate breakage, water vapor, and storage problems associated with other covers.