Factors That Influence Plant Development and Growth

Jun 03, 2022

By Jameson Brennan

Spring precipitation (April – June)

When dry conditions continue to persist on an annual basis, it can be easy to get excited when spring precipitation comes. Spring precipitation is often the focus of forage production models, with the months of April, May and June having a key role in predicting annual forage production in the central and northern Great Plains (Smart et al. 2020). This is true for several plant communities: mixed-grass (e.g. western wheatgrass, blue grama, and buffalograss – a mix of cool and warm-season grasses), shortgrass (e.g. blue grama and buffalograss dominated – warm-season grasses) and midgrass (e.g. western wheatgrass dominated – cool-season grass) (Smart et al. 2007).

Note that mixed-grass and midgrass communities have a large proportion of western wheatgrass, a native cool-season grass, which typically initiates growth in the spring in mid-April and reaches peak production by the end of June.

Warm-season grasses that dominate shortgrass plant communities begin growth in mid-to-late May and have active growth that carries into July. Thus, spring precipitation might be stored in the upper 10 centimeters of the soil profile, which is where most shortgrass roots occur (Coffin and Lauenroth 1991). Therefore, if there is adequate spring precipitation available, the warm-season grasses, like blue grama and buffalograss, will be able to use that moisture, as long as it is not depleted by cool-season grasses.

Days until last spring freeze

Some research (Smart et al. 2007) suggests that days until last spring freeze (days since Jan. 1 to the last freeze date) can impact cool-season dominated plant communities. Temperatures below freezing in the spring can impact plant growth and development by rupturing plant cell walls and damaging meristemic tissue (i.e. tissue where growth originates from). The “chill tolerance” that grasses typically possess decreases in the spring, when grasses focus their energy on developing stem structure. Thus, if a freeze does occur while grasses are in a rapid growth phase, they will be more susceptible to the cold temperatures. Consequently, forage production for the entire growing season could be impacted in cool-season grass pastures.

The reason days until last spring freeze impacts cool-season grasses more than warm-season grasses is because warm-season grasses don’t begin their rapid growth phase until June – when we typically don’t have freezing temperatures.

Growing degree days

As demonstrated on the grazing readiness map, growing degree-days can play an important role in plant development. Growing degree days are the temperature or heat units that a plant needs to accumulate to begin leaf development. When spring temperatures are cooler than the long-term average, forage growth will likely be delayed developmentally throughout much of the state. For example, instead of western wheatgrass reaching grazing readiness on a long-term average spring turnout date of June 3, it might not reach grazing readiness until June 18.

Conclusion

Year-to-year variability in climate can result in large swings in annual forage production, making it difficult for livestock producers to match animal demand to forage production. Key to mitigating the effects of this variability is utilizing available climate tools, developing a drought management plan, and identifying key trigger dates for management actions.

Source : sdstate.edu

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.