Sequential development of shoot system components in eastern gamagrass.

The sequence of development of shoot system components was studied from early November 1976 through October 1977 in eastern gamagrass. Tiller production and compound shoot development began in late spring and continued until the first killing frost in mid-October. On shoots initiated in 1977, root development began in early August and peaked in September. Single shoots developed one to six mature phytomers during their first growing season. Reproductive shoot development was first noted in early May, peaked in late May, and continued into October. The proaxes of tillers, single shoots, and compound shoots perennated through the 1976-77 winter dormant period. Shoots that over-wintered as tillers had advanced to the single shoot stage by late August 1977 and had produced from 8 to 20 mature phytomers by the end of the growing season. Compound shoots initiated before 1977 developed into reproductive shoots or died by late May 1977. From May through July high percentages of the shoot system components were in the tiller and reproductive shoot stages. During this period vegetative propagation would probably not be feasible and the use of proper management practices might be more critical than during other periods.