R. Bras. Zootec.01/Aug/2003;32(4):795-803.
Morphogenic traits and growth indices during the establishment and regrowth of Mombaçagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq.)
DOI: 10.1590/S1516-35982003000400003
A trial was carried out in green-house to estimate morphogenic traits and growth indices of Mombaçagrass development. Three growths were considered: the seminal, establishment growth (G1) and the regrowths following a clipping taken on the 16th (G2) and 37th (G3) days of the seminal growth. The variables assessed were the growth indices: relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), leaf area ratio (LAR), and the rates of leaf appearance, elongation, expansion and senescence. Accordingly, harvests were taken at the ages of: 13, 20, 27, 42, 55, 69 and 83 day of the seminal growth (G1); 0, 3, 6, 10, 17, 24, 38, 52 and 66 day of the 2nd regrowth (G2) and 0, 1, 3, 7, 21, 35, 49, 63 and 77 day of the 3rd growth (G3). There were three replications (pots) per treatment in a completely randomized design. Figures for NAR, LAR and RGR were high during early seminal growth but declined assynthotically as plant aged. Initial values for these indices were higher in the seminal growth as compared to the 2 regrowths. Cutting taken on the 37th day of the seminal growth hindered the initial growth of the plants regarding leaf appearance and elongation rates, LAR, NAR and RGR. The latter two indices which had negative values during early regrowth, were recovered by the 16th regrowth day.