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- Title
Tall and short-sized elephant grass genotypes: morphophysiological aspects cut-and-carry, and grazing management.
- Authors
Ferreira da Silva, Pedro Henrique; Bernardo Sales, Tafnes; Figueredo Lemos, Maikon; Silva, Maria da Conceição; Pereira Ribeiro, Robson Elpidio; Ferreira dos Santos, Mércia Virginia; Leão de Mello, Alexandre Carneiro; Vieira da Cunha, Márcio
- Abstract
Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) has been grown only in cut-and-carry systems for a long time. However, interest in its grazing management has been increasing because of the selection of short-sized genotypes, which have gained new relevance since 1988 with the registration of 'Mott' grass. In this sense, tall and short-sized genotypes present important differences in morphology, quality and productivity; although, environmental factors also exert influence on these aspects. This review aimed to approach how the elephant grass size can influence the morphophysiological characteristics, management decisions, and exploitation of this species. The morphophysiological aspects and the elephant grass sizes are important to direct their utilization in the different production systems. The research results from previous decades suggest that the particularities of the tall-sized genotypes, such as great forage accumulation, high organic reserves content, and stem elongation, favor their management in cut-and-carry systems and industrial sectors. Conversely, the shortsized elephant grass genotypes present aspects as higher leaf proportion in the harvested forage, leaf/stem ratio, and tillering. These factors facilitate their exploitation in grazing systems.
- Subjects
RANGE management; CENCHRUS purpureus; GENOTYPES; GRAZING; ROTATIONAL grazing
- Publication
Ciência Rural, 2021, Vol 51, Issue 9, p1
- ISSN
0103-8478
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1590/0103-8478cr20200848