Abstract
The effect of defoliation frequency (14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days) on forage production and morphogenic and structural characteristics of Mesosetum chaseae (Luces) was evaluated under natural field conditions during the dry season, in the savannas of Roraima. The reduction in pasture defoliation frequency resulted in higher green dry matter (GDM) yields, number of tillers plant-1, number of leaves tiller-1, tiller leaf area, leaf senescence rate and average leaf size. The relationship between defoliation frequency and GDM production was quadratic, with the maximum value estimated at 53.8 days of regrowth. Absolute rates of growth and leaf appearance and expansion were inversely proportional to defoliation frequencies. The highest rate of leaf expansion was obtained at 49.7 days of regrowth. Aiming to reconcile forage productivity with the optimization of the morphogenic and structural characteristics of the grass, the most appropriate period of use of its pastures is between 42 and 49 days of regrowth.
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