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Abstract
The responses of roots of Lolium perenne plants subjected to various levels of defoliation and shading were examined.
A single defoliation caused a rapid drop in root elongation followed by a more gradual recovery, the most severe defoliation having the greatest effect. Shoot and root weights were reduced, but when root elongation had recovered to the control level the shoot/root ratios did not differ from the controls.
Repeated defoliation caused a prolonged depression of root elongation, but some recovery occurred. The most severe treatment resulted in considerable root death.
Root elongation of shaded plants at first decreased steadily and then increased.
Both defoliation and shading caused increases in the length per unit dry weight of roots.
