R. Bras. Zootec.01/Sep/2002;31(5):1931-7.
Morphological characteristics and leaf area index of tanzaniagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia – 1), managed in different sward heights, under grazing
DOI: 10.1590/S1516-35982002000800008
The effect of different sward heights (24, 26, 43, 45, 52, 62, 73 and 78 cm) and different sampling periods (28, 56, 84 days), on basal and aerial tiller density, weight and diameter of basal tillers, leaf area index (LAI), meristem apical height, node number and internode length basal tiller in Tanzaniagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia – 1) is provided. Nelore steers were used in grazing, with variable stocking rates, using put and take techniques. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two replications. Aerial tiller density, weight, diameter, node number and internode length basal tiller, apical meristem height and leaf area index increased according to the higher sward management height. Basal tillering was not affected by sward management heights, but decreased during the experiment. Aerial tiller had a similar behavior. Node number, internode length, apical meristem height and LAI had a negative quadratic behavior, according to the sample collection period.
Keywords: apical meristem; internode length; node number; sward height; tillering