At first the height of the main stem was evaluated, according to the results of the
biometric data obtained from the research variants. The highest value (254.8 cm) in the
first planting period was noted at rhizomes' covering depth of 9 cm. The second time
period of planting, as to this value, was slightly less and comprised 251.6 cm at the
covering depth of 9 cm, while the second period's variants with depths of 6 and 12 cm
appeared to be even lesser. With even lower height of the main stem was marked the
third time period of planting, which amounted to only 237.8 cm at covering depth of 9
cm, while other variants of the third planting time period showed 241.6 cm (covering
depth of 6 cm.) and 229.3 cm (covering depth of 12 cm.).
The main stem is characterized by high mechanical strength and is a storage of
reserve nutrients. Leaves and organs (inflorescences) are formed on the stem. It should
be mentioned that the interaction of two factors – time and depth of covering, which
amounted to 9.9 ... 15.2% depending on the year of vegetation and 4.1% on the three-
year data, indicated a significant variation in spring weather with a change in time
periods. The effect of interaction of two factors – the years and the depth of covering,
which accounted for 1.4%, indicated slight changes in the conditions of growth and
development of plants, depending on the depth of covering of rhizomes. The share of
other factors' influence was 12.3%.
Figure 1. The share of influence of the investigated factors on the height of the
main stem of Giant Miscanthus plants, %
During the vegetation period of plant's growth and development, the size and
capacity of tillering depends on the number of stems in it. Such indicators are
conditioned by planting time period and depth of covering, as well as by the quality of
planting material and the size of planted rhizomes. The formation of new stems and the
nature of their placement determine how the plant looks like. According to the results
years 57 %
planting time
periods
15,2 %
depth of covering
9,9 %
years -depth of
covering
1,4 %
time of planting -
depth of covering
4,1 %
other factors
12,3%
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