Effect of defoliation on reproductive behaviour and growth of introduced cenchrus ciliaris populations in central Australian rangelands

Abstract

A growth cycle was created by rainfall and irrigation during which grazing treatments were imposed to cause different defoliation patterns on Cenchrus ciliaris. The effects of these patterns on seeding success and regrowth were investigated. Recovery of defoliated plants was studied during a second growth cycle created by a follow‐up irrigation treatment.