Tillering dynamics and morphogenesis in BRS Zuri Guinea grass pastures: responses to grazing management.
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ABSTRACT - Studies on morphogenesis and tillering are crucial for pasture productivity and sustainability, as forage production depends on tiller performance and population density. This two-year study assessed the impact of four grazing frequencies on tillering dynamics and morphogenesis traits of Megathyrsus maximus cv. BRS Zuri under intermittent stocking. A randomized block design was employed, with four pre-grazing light interception (LI) levels (80%, 85%, 90%, and 95%) and four replications per treatment. Evaluated variables included leaf appearance (LAR), elongation (LER) and senescence rates (LSR), leaf lifespan (LLS), phyllochron (PHYL), final leaf length (FLL), live leaf number (LLN), stem elongation rate (SER), tiller appearance (TAR), mortality (TMR) and survival rates, tiller stability index (TSI), and forage accumulation rate (FAR). There was an effect of LI on PHYL, LER, SER, LLS, and LSR, where data fit increasing linear regressions, with increments of 0.29 days, 2.86 cm, 0.013 cm, 1.52 days, and 0.058 cm, respectively, as LI increased. Tiller appearance was similar across treatments, whereas mortality and survival rates showed LI × year interaction. The highest mortality rate was observed in pastures managed with 80% LI, while the lowest mortality and highest survival rates occurred in those managed with 95% LI. TSI increased with LI and was higher in the first year, with reductions under 80% and 85% LI. Pastures managed at 90% and 95% LI showed more stable tiller populations and greater leaf elongation and FLL. Management with 90% LI allows for growth interruption before the greatest pseudostem accumulation and leaf senescence.
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Forragem, Morfogênese, Pastagem, Panicum Maximum, Defoliation, Forage production, Grazing management, Morphogenesis, Megathyrsus maximus, Tillering, Tropical grasslands