The biology of African feather grass (Pennisetum macrourum Trin.) in Tasmania, II. Rhizome biology

Summary: The rhizome biology of Pennisetum macrourum was studied in a series of field and glasshouse experiments. The total available carbohydrate content of rhizomes remained between 15 and 22% of dry weight throughout the year, with fluctuations, related to the seasonal growth pattern. The percentage regeneration or rhizome fragments of one, two and four nodes buried at 15 cm was 13, 33 and 57, respectively. Thirty percent of 4‐node rhizome fragments regenerated from a depth of 25 cm. In 11 desiecation experiment, regeneration of 3‐node rhizome fragments occurred until rhizome moisture content was reduced to 14%, The time taken to reach this moisture content varied from 4 to 10 days depending on the temperature. The significance of these results for the control of P. macrourum is discussed.