AN ASSESSMENT OF (2-CHLOROETHYL) TRIMETHYLAMMONIUM CHLORIDE AS A POTENTIAL AID TO GRASS-SEED PRODUCTION

The effects of (2–chloroethyl) trimethyIammonium chloride (CCC) on inflorescence production and culm length in seedlings of Aberystwyth S51 timothy ( Phleum pratense L.) are described. Concentrations of CCC ranging from molar to 0.01 molar were applied as a soil drench at a rate of 75 ml/sq. ft to plants at the 3rd, 6th or 8th leaf stage. All treatments reduced the culm length at heading, maximum effect being obtained from those given at the earliest growth stages. The number of heads per plant and the total head-length per plant increased with treatment, showing a maximum after molar treatments at the 6th or 8th leaf stages. Mean head-length remained relatively constant. The results are discussed in relation to seed production problems and the questions to be answered prior to field-scale treatment are outlined.