Studies in the lignification of grasses. I. Perennial rye-grass (S 24) and cocksfoot (S 37)

Abstract

1. Two perennial grasses, rye-grass S24 and cocksfoot S37 have been sampled at 7 to 10-day intervals from the stage of growth just prior to flower emergence to seed shedding. Each sample was separated into leaf, leaf sheath, stem and head (where present) and the fractions examined histologically for lignin formation and chemically for lignin and nitrogen percentages. The in vitro digestibility of most of these fractions was also determined.