Tropical Grasslands (2002) Volume 36, 6568 The response of bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) plants cut off at different heights and seasonal times F.F. BEBAWI and S.D. CAMPBELL Tropical Weeds Research Centre, Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia Abstract
A study was undertaken to quantify the susceptibility of bellyache bush plants cut off using a brush-cutter at different heights above ground (0, 10, 20 and 40 cm), during either summer or winter. Uncut plants acted as controls. At the time of cutting in summer, plants were fully foliated, flowering and producing seed. In contrast, winter-treated plants were fully defoliated and dormant. The sugar concentration in sap of plants differed significantly between seasons, averaging 23 and 18% sucrose for winter and summer cutting times, respectively. |