Publication Date

8-1-1973

Degree Program

Department of Agriculture

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

Phenological and cultural studies of common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber) were conducted from 1969 to 1971 at Bowling Green, Kentucky. The phenological studies were based upon dandelion plants which were found growing in a Kentucky bluegrass lawn or in open lots. At this location the dandelion flowered throughout the year. Maximum flowering occurred during April and a secondary peak occurred in September and October. The number of flowering stems per square meter was not correlated significantly with precipitation, temperature, or day length. Length of stem was positively correlated with temperature and day length. The plants exhibited diurnal variation in flowering habit. Number of times (or days) the heads opened and closed, length of time in which the heads remained open each day, and length of time heads remained closed before opening into the mature heads (white balls) varied with time of year. The cultural studies were based upon 400 dandelion plants which were transplanted from their natural environment into an experimental area. The dandelion plants were subjected to a combination of two main-treatments and five sub-treatments. The main-treatments were: 1) hand cultivation to control weed competition, and 2) overseeding with Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). Sub-treatments were: 1) no clipping, 2) clipping at 4 cm each week, 3) clipping at 4 cm every two weeks, 4) clipping at 8 cm each week, and 5) clipping at 8 cm every two weeks. Sod competition significantly reduced both the number of reproductive stems and the diameter of plants. Dandelion plants which were clipped more frequently and at a lower stubble height exhibited less reproductive and vegetative vigor than plants that were clipped less frequently and at a higher stubble height.

Disciplines

Agriculture

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