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Evaluation of the Production, Quality of Three Cultivars of Rhodes Grass (Chloris Gayana) and Viability of Seeds, Introduced in the Pampas



Author(s)

Sacido Mónica and Cicetti Gabriel

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DOI:10.17265/2162-5298/2017.12.004

Forages Production Departament, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National University of Rosario, Zavalla 2123, Argentina

This paper describes how a research was carried out about Chloris gayana Kunth. The objective of the work was to agronomical characterize the best sowing date, establishment efficiency, first year management, persistence strategies, biomass production and seeds. The parameter evaluated was: morphological, quality and production of seeds of three commercial cultivars (Santana, Finecut and Recleimer). Trial duration is December 2012 to December 2016 (33º S, 61º W) Argentina. Design three random blocks with three repetitions, plot 5 × 5 meter. The results were analyzed by ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), and there was used Tukey Test (p < 0.05) for comparison of averages, to determine significant differences between the different ones that will be sown. It was determined that the ends of spring dates ensure better establishment. Although the data of morphology of the first year (length of pod, length of blade and number of leaves/plant) presented differences between the cv, they did not mark a tendency that ensures the best development of one. Recleimer with 598 and 1,026 accumulated degree days present the highest values in both measurements. The accumulation of biomass over the years shows that commercial cv show a very similar performance (12,000 kg DM (Dry Matter) per hectare per year). The annual accumulation of DM would not vary significantly as monthly cuts are applied during the growing season or total accumulation without cuts would be allowed. In relation to quality parameters (gross protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber), Recleimer has the lowest values. Santana and Finecut were best in quality. Production of the seed was highest in May for all cvs. However, viability was limited in all date but Finecut and Recleimer showed best performance. As expected, in the megathermal species, seed production being one of the critical points.

Megathermal, quality, C4 (Carbon 4).