Effects of weed plants on tiller characteristics in brachiaria pasture

Authors

  • Rafael Mendonça de Carvalho Universidade Federal de Uberlndia, Uberlndia, MG
  • Roberson Machado Pimentel Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG
  • Dilermando Miranda da Fonseca Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG
  • Manoel Eduardo Rozalino Santos Universidade Federal de Uberlndia, Uberlndia, MG

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17523/bia.v73n2p103

Keywords:

continuous stocking, morphological composition, tiller weight, Urochroa decumbens.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the weed Solanum sisymbriifolium (sticky nightshade) on the number and characteristics of Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk tillers in pasture continuously stocked by cattle. Two sites of the same pasture were evaluated, one site located close (0.5 m) to the main stalk of the weed and the other located at a distance where no weed was growing within a radius of 2.0 m. The number, weight and morphology of the tillers were evaluated in a completely randomized design with three repetitions. At the site distant from the weed, a higher population density of defoliated tillers without apical meristem was observed. The number of basal and aerial tillers was smaller close to the weed plant. This site was also characterized by smaller numbers of vegetative, reproductive, live, dead and total tillers when compared to the site distant from the weed plant. The weight of vegetative and reproductive tillers was higher at the site close to the weed plant. Tillers close to the weed plant exhibited a greater length of the pseudostem and leaf blade, a larger number of live leaves, and fewer grazed leaves compared to distant tillers. The occurrence of S. sisymbriifolium results in spatial variability of vegetation in U. decumbens cv. Basilisk pasture. 

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Published

2016-06-29

Issue

Section

FORAGE CROPS AND PASTURES

How to Cite

Effects of weed plants on tiller characteristics in brachiaria pasture. (2016). Bulletin of Animal Husbandry, 73(2), 103-110. https://doi.org/10.17523/bia.v73n2p103

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