USA, Lexington Kentucky - October 19th, 2009 (Joe Omielan) - Project Update
The results of and responses to the sequential defoliations are becoming apparent in the plots.
Much of the light is still intercepted by the canopy in control plots even if many of the lower leaves have already fallen off.
Less light is intercepted in this partially defoliated plot.
This plot has been totally defoliated and only the pods, stems and petioles are intercepting light.
The last leaves on the plants in this treatment were recently removed. This photo and the one below were taken on Sept. 10.
The final defoliation was two weeks earlier in this plot and some of the pods and plants are maturing. Earlier maturity is one of the consequences of accelerated leaf loss. The defoliation treatment plots were harvested at the end of the month.
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky 