Herbage accumulation, nutritive value and persistence of Mulato II in Florida

Joao M.B Vendramini,Lynn E Sollenberger, ,University Of Florida, Ifas Agronomy Department, Gainesville, Fl, Usa Www.agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu ,Maria L Silveira,Graham C Lamb

doi:10.17138/tgft(1)123-124

Abstract

Grasses in the Brachiaria genus are the most widely grown forages in tropical America, occupying over 80 Mha (Boddey et al. 2004). Mulato II is apomictic and a vigorous, semi-erect cultivar resulting from 3 generations of crosses including original crosses between ruzigrass (B. ruziziensis) and signalgrass (B. decumbens cv. Basilisk, apomictic tetraploid). According to Peters et al. (2003), Mulato produced 25% more herbage mass than palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha) and koroniviagrass (B. humidicola) under similar management practices. Although Mulato II shows promise as forage in tropical regions, herbage accumulation and persistence in subtropical areas is unknown. This publication summarizes results of the research with Mulato II conducted in Florida in the last 5 years.

Highlights

Grasses in the Brachiaria genus are the most widely grown forages in tropical America, occupying over 80 Mha (Boddey et al 2004)
Treatments were the factorial combinations of 3 stubble heights (2.5, 7.5 and 12.5 cm) and 2 harvest frequencies (2 and 4 weeks) in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates
Samples were analyzed for in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) and crude protein (CP) concentrations

Summary

Introduction

Grasses in the Brachiaria genus are the most widely grown forages in tropical America, occupying over 80 Mha (Boddey et al 2004). Mulato II is apomictic and a vigorous, semi-erect cultivar resulting from 3 generations of crosses including original crosses between ruzigrass (B. ruziziensis) and signalgrass According to Peters et al (2003), Mulato produced 25% more herbage mass than palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha) and koroniviagrass (B. humidicola) under similar management practices. Mulato II shows promise as forage in tropical regions, herbage accumulation and persistence in subtropical areas is unknown. This publication summarizes results of the research with Mulato II conducted in Florida in the last 5 years

Methods

Results

Conclusions