Morphogenesis and tiller density of Aruana grass managed at different heights under sheep grazing

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the morphogenic characteristics and tiller density of Aruana grass managed at different heights under sheep grazing. Aruana grass was managed at four mean heights (12, 15, 20, and 25 cm) distributed in a randomized block design with three replications, totaling 12 paddocks of 250 m2 each. Twenty-four crossbred Dorper x Santa Inês lambs, with mean age and weight of 60 ± 15 days and 16.69 ± 2.70 kg, respectively, were randomly distributed in the treatments. Five tillers were demarcated per paddock for measuring morphogenic variables. A representative area in the paddock was used for counting the number of tillers. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed for leaf appearance rate, leaf elongation rate, stem elongation rate, leaf senescence rate, final leaf length, and leaf life span between the assessed heights. Phyllochron was longer at the height of 25 cm when compared to 15 and 20 cm (19.35, 12.11, and 12.75 days, respectively). The number of live leaves was higher at heights of 12, 15, and 20 cm when compared to 25 cm (3.99, 4.35, 4.15, and 2.86, respectively). The number of basal and aerial tillers presented no variation (P > 0.05) between canopy heights. Management heights from 15 to 20 cm allowed a higher number of live leaves and a shorter phyllochron in Aruana grass pastures managed for sheep. Canopy height management did not influence other morphogenic characteristics and tiller density.