Reproductive Growth Grasses often begin a transition from vegetative to reproductive growth when most of the vegetative growth is produced for that year. Plant hormones and physiology control the transition from the vegetative to the reproductive state. Reproductive meristems are stimulated to begin growth, which results in development of stems, a few leaves, and reproductive structures. In grasses, most of the reproductive structure contains chlorophyll and is capable of photosynthesis. Thus, little, if any, carbohydrate reserve in crowns or roots is used for production of grass seed.
Grazing can remove the reproductive apical meristem and halt seedhead production.
For seed production, avoid grazing during this period. However, you can manage grazing to reduce the seed crop and stimulate future tiller production. Carbohydrate Reserves Grasses commonly store carbohydrates when most leaf growth is complete. Even though leaves still have a high photosynthetic capacity and sufficient leaf area for photosynthesis, there are few demands for new growth. Therefore, carbohydrates accumulate in roots and crowns and serve as storage organs for growth the next spring.