Abstract
The constant improvement of selection methods is necessary in order to optimize efficiency of breeding programs for aluminum tolerance. Thus, the aim of this study was to establish a vase volume to the ideal semi-hydroponic cultivation of forage grasses subjected to stress by aluminum in nutrient solution. The experimental design completely randomized, with four replicates, each replicate consisting of one plant per vase. The treatments were arranged in a factorial design 4x5, being the first factor consists of four genotypes of forage grasses Brachiaria Humidicola; Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã; Panicum maximum cv. Massai and Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça) and the second consisting of five separate volumes plastics vases where seedlings were grown (0.2; 0.25; 0.3; 0.35 and 0.4 dm³). The grasses grown in a semi-hydroponics system irrigated with nutrient solution rich in aluminum (3 mg L-1). Was measured plant height, dry weight of aereal part and root length. The semi-hydroponic cultivation in aluminum increased nutrient solution is effective in differentiation of forage grasses genotypes in relation to aluminum tolerance. Pots volumes near 0.3 dm3 promote greater development for root and aerial part attributes in forage grasses grown in nutrient solution with aluminum toxicity.
Highlights
In Brazil, the beef cattle production is characterized by farming systems that use grasslands, providing 99% of the diet for cattle herds
The treatments were arranged in a factorial 4 x 5, the first factor consists of four genotypes of forage grasses
The increase in the vases caused a significant effect on the root length (RL) of cultivated grasses (Figure 2)
Summary
In Brazil, the beef cattle production is characterized by farming systems that use grasslands, providing 99% of the diet for cattle herds. The pastures managed in extensive system, with low use of fertilizers or, in most cases, without the addition of these inputs, so that the productivity levels of livestock systems are low, and over time production, declines are evident (DIAS-FILHO, 2011). Aluminum is toxic to most species of cultivated plants by promoting the inhibition of root growth and, hindering the development of plants (CANÇADO et al, 2001). Character aluminum tolerance in forage species has received attention from breeding programs (OLIVEIRA et al, 2013; BITENCOURT et al, 2011; MATINS et al, 2011). Methods that measure restricting root growth receive more attention as a parameter in the evaluation of Al3+ toxicity (CRESTANI et al, 2011; CRESTANI et al, 2009; VOSS et al, 2006; MAZZOCATO et al, 2002)
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