Effects of photoperiod in the glasshouse on the growth of leaves and tillers in three perennial grasses

Leaf and tiller development in vegetative plants of S.₃₇ cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), S.₂₁₅ meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) and S.₂₄ perennial rye-grass (Lolium perenne L.) were measured in photoperiods varied by extending a basic period of natural light with low-intensity artificial illumination so that all plants received approximately the same amount of light each day. Increasing the photoperiod usually increased leaf length and sometimes leaf width, but decreased rate of production of leaves. However, the rate of production of new leaf surface increased with photoperiod. Increasing the photoperiod generally decreased the rate of tillering; thus, plants grown in long days had few tillers with large leaves and sheaths, in short days, plants developed more but smaller tillers.