HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Duell, R. W. Articles by Peacock, G. R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Duell, R. W. Articles by Peacock, G. R. Agricola Articles by Duell, R. W. Articles by Peacock, G. R.

Rhizosheaths on Mesophytic Grasses¹

Rhizosheaths, soil cylinders on nonbranching roots, have been described on desert grasses. The objectives of this investigation were to determine the frequency of rhizosheaths on mesophytic grasses, assess their ontogenetic development, and evaluates oil conditions, management, and seasonal effects on rhizosheath formation. Rhizosheaths were found on many species of mesophytic grasses growing in diverse soils and moisture conditions. Ontogenetic differences were found. Seedlings attained a critical size before rhizosheaths were discernible on nodal roots. Rhizosheaths were never found on seminal roots. Rhizosheaths persisted through seed development of cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), but deteriorated with heading of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Rhizosheaths were found on both cool and warm-season perennial grasses occurring as either crop or weedy species. Rhizosheaths occurred in both high and low fertility conditions.

Key Words: Soil cylinders • Ontogeny • Rhizosphere • Roots

² Associate research professor and graduate student, respectively, Dep. of Soils and Crops, New Jersey Agric. Exp. Stn., Cook College, Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, NJ 08903.

Received for publication July 23, 1984.