Phenological Stage and Nitrogen Input Coordinately Regulate Bud Bank Dynamics and Shoot Allocation in an Alpine Clonal Perennial Grass.

ABSTRACT: Belowground buds play a vital role in the clonal propagation and structural regulation of perennial herbaceous plants, especially in alpine environments, where vegetative renewal depends heavily on bud bank dynamics. However, the interactive effects of nitrogen addition and phenological stages on bud development and aboveground branching remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined the responses of rhizome buds, tiller buds, and aboveground tiller types of Kentucky bluegrass to six nitrogen levels (0, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 g/m²) across five growth stages on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results showed that moderate nitrogen input (N2, 9 g/m²) significantly enhanced total bud density, particularly at the heading and maturity stages, indicating a threshold respo

SUBMITTER: He K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12298651 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature