What stage of plant tissue maturity does senescence refer to?

Senescence refers to the final stage of plant tissue maturity, which occurs just before the tissue dies. This stage is characterized by the gradual degradation of cellular functions and the breakdown of metabolic processes. During senescence, the plant reallocates nutrients from aging tissues to younger, actively growing tissues or seeds. This process is vital for the plant's lifecycle as it ensures the continuation of growth and reproduction while allowing older tissue to age and die in a controlled manner.

Understanding senescence is critical for those involved in turf and ornamental care, as it can influence plant health, management practices, and the timing of interventions to promote plant vigor and longevity. The context of the other stages, such as initial growth, reproductive stage, and early development, all represent periods of active growth and productivity, contrasting sharply with senescence, which signifies decline and preparation for death. This highlights the importance of recognizing different stages of plant development for effective management of turf and ornamental plants.