Effect of height of cutting on the regrowth of rape

Abstract

Rape (Brassica napus cv. Rangi) was grown in pots in a glasshouse in winter 1971. In early spring, when the plants had produced approximately 25 fully expanded leaves, five cutting treatments were applied. The subsequent growth of uncut control plants was compared with the regrowth of four treatments in which the plants were defoliated and the stems cut at one of four heights. Uncut control plants produced significantly more dry plant material than the cut plants during the one month treatment period. The regrowth potential of the defoliated plants was dependent on the presence of axillary buds but was not increased by leaving more than nine buds on the stem after cutting.