This study investigated the influence of leaf stage-based defoliation interval on water-soluble carbohydrate and nitrogen energy reserve status, regrowth of leaves and roots, and tiller number of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) cv. Kara plants up to 24 days (3.5-leaf stage) following defoliation. Treatments were based on defoliation intervals of 1-, 2-, and 4-leaf stages of regrowth, with treatments terminated when the 1-leaf defoliation interval had been completed 4 times, the 2-leaf interval 2 times, and the 4-leaf interval once.

Selected plants were destructively harvested prior to commencement of treatments (H₀), immediately following cessation of treatments (H₁), and at 5 days (H₂), 10 days (H₃), and 24 days (H₄) following H₁. Leaf, root, and tiller dry matter yield were determined at each harvest event, as well as tiller number/plant. Levels of water-soluble carbohydrate and nitrogen reserves in plant stubble and roots were determined at each destructive harvest. Initiation and death of daughter tillers were monitored from H₀ to the completion of the study.

More frequent defoliation of cocksfoot plants resulted in reduced water-soluble carbohydrate assimilation and therefore leaf, root, and tiller dry matter accumulation during the subsequent recovery period. Defoliation at the 1-leaf stage severely limited the regrowth potential of cocksfoot plants, whereas defoliation at the 2-leaf stage was adequate for plant recovery, but did not maximise regrowth. The results of this study showed that a defoliation interval based on the 4-leaf stage maximises water-soluble carbohydrate reserves, tillering, and leaf and root dry matter yields. The priority sequence for allocation of water-soluble carbohydrate reserves followed the order of leaf growth, root growth, and tillering during the regrowth period. Nitrogen energy reserves were found to play a minor role in the regrowth of cocksfoot plants following defoliation.