Forage Feast Research Articles

MORPHOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF FORAGE CHICORY FINE ROOTS TO MANIPULATED SOIL PHOSPHORUS LEVELS

In Appalachian pastures, chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) offers the potential for increased phosphorus (P) uptake. To determine if hydroponically grown chicory root response patterns also occur with soil grown plants, an experiment with three cultivars and four soil P levels was conducted. Roots were washed free of soil and then measured, then plant tissues were analyzed for P content. With decreasing soil P concentrations, “Grasslands Puna” decreased the diameter and increased the length of the thinnest roots. The cultivar “Forage Feast” responded to low P with the opposite pattern. Two populations of root diameter classes (meso-diameter classes - mDC) are shown to be involved in these responses. With Grasslands Puna, the larger diameter mDC is apparently suppressed at low P levels in favor of the smaller diameter mDC. The reverse is true with Forage Feast. Thus, chicory cultivars have differential fine root responses to soil P levels.

Available Soil Phosphorus Affects Herbage Yield and Stand Persistence in Forage Chicory

Low available soil P (ASP) may contribute to poor productivity of forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.). The effect of ASP on forage yield and stand loss was evaluated over two harvest years for three chicory cultivars (‘Puna’, ‘Forage Feast’, ‘Lacerta’) at sites with low [West Virginia (WV), Gilpin silt loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludults)] or high [Pennsylvania (PA), Hagerstown silt loam (fine, mixed, semiactive, mesic, Typic Hapludalfs)] ASP. Low (LP), medium (MP), and high (HP) ASP treatments averaged 6, 27, and 41 mg kg−1 of Bray‐P for LP, MP, and HP in WV, and 30 and 41 mg kg−1 for MP and HP in PA. Across all data, critical soil P for 95% of maximum dry matter yield (DMY) was approximately 30 mg kg−1 of Bray‐P. Cumulative DMY of all cultivars increased with soil Bray‐P in the first year after planting, but in the second year, only Forage Feast DMY increased with soil Bray‐P. Cumulative DMY declined 45, 69, and 89% from the first to second year after planting for Puna, Forage Feast, and Lacerta, respectively. Across cultivars and time, stand density increased 12% as ASP increased from LP to MP, but medium to high ASP was associated with stand decline via increased bolting of Lacerta and frost heaving of Forage Feast. Across cultivars and sites, stand densities of less than 50 plants m−2 in September predicted poor cumulative DMY in the following year. Phosphorus fertilization improved overall forage chicory DMY and persistence when ASP was low, but may contribute to bolting, heaving, and stand loss at high ASP.

Seasonal variation in sesquiterpene lactone concentration and composition of forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) cultivars

AbstractPalatability and anthelmintic activity of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) forage are influenced by the sesquiterpene lactones lactucin (LAC), 8‐deoxylactucin (DOL) and lactucopicrin. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine how sesquiterpene lactone concentration and composition vary during the growing season. Three forage chicory cultivars (Puna, Forage Feast and Lacerta) grown in West Virginia and Pennsylvania (USA) were managed during two consecutive years to maintain plants in the vegetative stage, and sesquiterpene lactones in leaves were quantified after each growth interval. Cultivars differed in the total concentration of sesquiterpene lactones and in the proportions of LAC and DOL. Total sesquiterpene lactone concentration generally decreased or remained constant during the season, but the specific response depended on the cultivar. Differences in seasonal patterns between years corresponded with unusual climatic conditions. The three cultivars had similar concentrations of DOL in the spring. Forage Feast provided a dramatically lower concentration of DOL during the summer. Uniformly high concentrations of DOL across the growing season in Puna and Lacerta make these cultivars attractive for use in bioactive pastures for control of Haemonchus contortus. Changes in both sesquiterpene lactone concentration and composition during the season result in large variations in forage bitterness.

In vitro analysis of the anthelmintic activity of forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) sesquiterpene lactones against a predominantly Haemonchus contortus egg population

The anthelmintic activity of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) herbage has been attributed to sesquiterpene lactones. Chicory leaves contain significant amounts of lactucin (LAC), 8-deoxylactucin (DOL), and lactucopicrin (LPIC), but the proportions of these three sesquiterpene lactones vary among forage chicory cultivars. To determine whether the individual compounds differ in anthelmintic activity, we prepared sesquiterpene lactone-enriched extracts from leaves of two forage chicory cultivars, ‘Grasslands Puna’ (Puna) and ‘Forage Feast’, and tested their effects on the hatching of a predominantly Haemonchus contortus egg population. The dominant constituents in the Puna and Forage Feast extracts were DOL and LAC, respectively; LPIC concentrations in the two extracts were similar. Extracts from both cultivars inhibited egg hatching at all concentrations tested (P<0.001), but there were significant differences in egg responses to the two extracts (P<0.001). With Puna, egg hatching decreased sharply in a linear fashion when the combined LAC, DOL, and LPIC concentrations ranged from 0 to 5.0mg/ml. A biphasic effect on egg hatching occurred with the Forage Feast extract. The fraction of eggs that hatched decreased gradually to 65% as the sesquiterpene lactone concentrations increased from 0 to 6.7mg/ml. Treatment with higher concentrations resulted in a sharp decline in egg hatchability. Concentrations of sesquiterpene lactones required for 50% lethality were determined by probit dose–effect analysis to be 2.6mg/ml (95% confidence interval: 2.4–2.8mg/ml) for the Puna extract and 6.4mg/ml (95% confidence interval: 5.9–7.2mg/ml) for the Forage Feast extract (P<0.0001). These concentrations provided 1.3 and 1.5mg/ml of DOL and 0.8 and 3.9mg/ml of LAC for Puna and Forage Feast extracts, respectively. Results suggest that LAC has minimal effect on egg hatching and that DOL or other constituent(s) in the extracts is inhibitory. Quantitative analyses of free sesquiterpene lactones in chicory leaf extracts suggest that Puna may be a better cultivar than Forage Feast for use in bioactive pastures for gastrointestinal parasite control in small ruminants.

Forage Characteristics Affecting Meat Goat Preferences for Forage Chicory Cultivars

Concentration of bitter sesquiterpene lactones (SL), lactucin, lactucopicrin, and 8‐deoxylactucin, has been associated with low soil P fertility and reduced livestock preference for forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.). We evaluated the effect of cultivar and available soil phosphorus (ASP) on meat goat (Capra hircus L.) preferences for ‘Grasslands Puna (Puna)’ ‘Forage Feast,’ and ‘INIA le Lacerta (Lacerta)’chicory grown under varying P fertility. Soil Bray‐P was used to designate ASP as low (LP, mean 8.6 mg kg−1), medium (MP, 21.7 mg kg−1), and high (HP, 40.1 mg kg−1) for the preference test. In September, clipped fresh forage was offered to confined Boer‐cross goat kids using a replicated 3 by 3 Latin square design with an extra period. Preferences were measured using dry matter intake for cultivar effects and multidimensional scaling (MDS) for ASP effects. Across cultivars, soil Bray‐P was positively related to leaf P and Mg concentrations. Soil Bray‐P did not affect lactucopicrin or 8‐deoxylactucin, and was positively associated with lactucin, in contrast to the hypothesis. Goats exhibited no preferences among cultivars despite up to fourfold differences in individual SL. Within cultivars, goats preferred Puna with less lactucin and total SL, Lacerta with less lactucopicrin and leaf Mg, and Forage Feast with more cell wall. Goats were able to detect relatively small differences in SL within cultivars, but this had little practical effect on intake of the forage because they ate it even when bitter. Therefore, P fertilization for fall‐grown chicory is unlikely to improve forage intake in goats.

Yield and Persistence of Forage and Root-type Chicory Cultivars

A challenge in managing chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) as a forage is dealing with bolting of flower stalks in spring. Cultivars of chicory with reduced bolting potential, used mainly for root and sugar production (root types), are available. An experiment was conducted at Rock Springs, PA, to compare forage cultivars and European root-type cultivars of chicory for yield,bolting, and persistence under clipping. 'Grasslands Puna,' 'Lacerta,' and'Forage Feast' forage cultivars and 'Dagerrad,' 'Halle,' and 'Katrein' root-type cultivars were sown in April 1999. Plots were cut every 4 week during May to August 2000 and 2001. Dry matter (DM) yield was determined at each harvest and bolting was estimated visually. Stand densities were determined periodically from October 1999 to June 2002. The cultivars did not differ in DM yield in 2000 (average DM of 6700 lb/acre). Grasslands Puna and Lacerta yielded more DM than other cultivars in 2001. More than 80% of Lacerta and Puna plants bolted at the first harvest in both years, whereas only 30 to 40% of Forage Feast and the root cultivars bolted. There was less than 10% bolting in Forage Feast and the root-type cultivars after the first harvest in 2000 and during all harvests of 2001. Lacerta suffered a 52% loss of plants in 2000 and a cumulative loss of 90% by June 2002. In June 2002 Lacerta had 2 plants/ft², whereas the other cultivars averaged 6 plants/ft². Reduced bolting would be a useful characteristic of forage chicory cultivars provided that yield and persistence were not compromised.

Forage Chicory and Plantain Nutritive Value of Herbage at Variable Grazing Frequencies and Intensities

Cultivars of forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) grown in the northeastern USA have acceptable seasonal productivity; however, their reproductive habit could limit herbage nutritive value. The nutritive value of chicory and plantain cultivars was compared and examined under the effect of variable frequency and intensity of grazing. The cultivars were compared with ‘Pennlate’ orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), a productive grass during the summer, in two grazing experiments in 3 yr. Pre‐grazing herbage samples were analyzed and compared for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and in vitro true digestibility of dry matter (IVTD). In both experiments, the average CP of entries was 180 to 200 g kg−1, similar to orchardgrass. The NDF of forbs, which ranged from 300 to 400 g kg−1, was 200 g kg−1 lower than orchardgrass. The IVTD of chicory cultivars averaged 850 to 950 g kg−1. In Exp. 1, ‘Forage Feast’ and ‘Puna’ chicory had the greatest IVTD (5% greater than orchardgrass: average 911 vs. 867 g kg−1, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). Lancelot plantain had the lowest IVTD in both experiments. Grazing management (frequency of grazing) affected nutritive value in Exp. 1 but not in Exp. 2. Although herbage composition in Exp. 2 varied, continuous reproductive development did not affect nutritive value. Managing Puna chicory and Lancelot plantain using a canopy‐height based grazing system to maximize yield and persistence does not compromise nutritive value. Puna chicory could be a good complement to Pennlate orchardgrass in grass‐based feeding systems.

Differential root morphology response to no versus high phosphorus, in three hydroponically grown forage chicory cultivars

Forage chicory is a productive forage resource for eastern North America; however, many soils in the region are acidic and deficient in P and might restrict the widespread use of forage chicory. There is no published information on response of forage chicory to P, or P acquisition strategies for morphologically different chicory cultivars. The literature suggests the following null hypothesis: “specific root length (SRL) will increase with P deficiency”. We conducted controlled environment experiments using nutrient culture to determine plant mass, mineral composition, and root morphology of three forage chicory cultivars (Grasslands Puna (GP), LaCerta (LC) and Forage Feast (FF)) as a function of P supply, and test the null hypothesis with chicory. Phosphorus increased chicory growth irrespective of cultivar. Root morphology differed among cultivars independent of P supply with FF producing about twice the taproot mass of GP or LC. Root morphology was also impacted by P supply and the specific interactions between P and cultivar. Total root length and surface area of GP increased, and did not change in LC or FF under −P conditions. Thus, the null hypothesis must be rejected. Results suggest at least two different plant responses to −P conditions in chicory that seem to be attributes of specific cultivars: (a) increase in root length of the 0.28 mm root class (GP); (b) decrease in non-taproot mass density with −P and no change in root length or ratios between diameter classes (LC). The change in root length of small diameter class roots, as observed for GP, is typical of the responses to −P described in the literature. The decrease in root density seen with LC is probably an anatomical response that is not coupled with any observable morphological response. We conclude that use of the above null hypothesis as a paradigm for plant root response to P deficiency must be rejected. The routine use of specific root length as an indicator of environmentally induced changes in root system function is precluded by the presence of anatomical and physiological changes (adaptations) that have no concomitant gross morphological changes.

Dry‐Matter Production, Allocation and Nutritive Value of Forage Chicory Cultivars as a Function of Nitrogen

AbstractForage chicory cultivars vary in origin and morphology and may respond differently to nutrient inputs because of photosynthate allocation and resource acquisition. Understanding nitrogen (N) influences on chicory seedling development and allocation of photosynthates among plant parts is important in terms of stand establishment, plant persistence, herbage production and nutritive value. We conducted experiments in the glasshouse to determine if amount (0, 50 and 100 mg N kg−1 soil) and source (ammonium nitrate or urea) of exogenous N influenced leaf dry‐matter (DM) production, N nitrate (NO3) and total non‐structural carbohydrate (TNC) allocation among roots and shoots in the chicory cultivars Forage Feast, Lacerta or Grasslands Puna. Herbage DM productivity and the ratio of energy (TNC) : protein varied among cultivars because of differential photosynthate allocation between shoots and roots, and occurred later in the growth interval when N was applied. Forage Feast, compared with the other cultivars, produced the largest roots and greatest herbage DM without added N. Leaf appearance rate in Lacerta and Grasslands Puna increased with increasing N. Instantaneous growth rates of Grasslands Puna and Lacerta at 100 N were three times that of 0 N plants. Nitrate concentrations were very high in young seedlings of all three cultivars before applying N. The findings help define application practices for these cultivars and N management practices for optimal leaf production in establishing forage chicory plants.

Nutritive Value of Chicory and English Plantain Forage

Forage production in midsummer is a challenge for graziers in the northeastern USA. Domesticated cultivars of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and English plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) are available in the USA as perennial herbs for pastures. These species have been touted as having good summer production and relatively high nutritive value. We conducted two field‐plot experiments at Rock Springs, PA, during 1997 to 2001 to evaluate the nutritive value of chicory and plantain under clipping. ‘Grasslands Puna’, ‘Lacerta’, and ‘Forage Feast’ chicory and ‘Ceres Tonic’ and ‘Grasslands Lancelot’ grazing plantain were sown in field plots in May 1997 and 1999 and harvested multiple times in 1998 (Exp. 1) and 2000 (Exp. 2). Herbage from three harvests in 1998 and two harvests in 2000 was analyzed for in vitro true digestibility (IVTD); neutral detergent fiber (NDF); and the minerals P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, B, and Zn. Averaged for cultivars, chicory had 11% higher (P &lt; 0.05) IVTD and 6 to 20% lower (P &lt; 0.05) NDF than plantain. Concentrations of all minerals, except for Ca, were 17 to 48% higher (P &lt; 0.05) in chicory than in plantain. There were few meaningful differences in nutritive value among cultivars within chicory or plantain. Chicory and plantain are of relatively high nutritive value and could enhance the nutritional profile of mixed species pastures. The nutritive value benefits, however, must be balanced against the lack of persistence of chicory and plantain.

Forage Yield and Persistence of Chicory and English Plantain

Graziers in the northeast USA often face forage shortages in midsummer. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and English plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) have been introduced in the USA as sumer‐active perennial herbs for pastures. We conducted two experiments at Rock Springs, PA, to evaluate chicory and plantain for yield and persistence under clipping. ‘Grasslands Puna’, ‘Lacerta’, and ‘Forage Feast’ chicory, and ‘Ceres Tonic’ and ‘Grasslands Lancelot’ plantain were sown in field plots in May 1997 (Exp. 1) and 1999 (Exp. 2). Plots were cut every 3 or 5 wk in 1998 and 1999 in Exp. 1 and every 4 wk during 2000 and 2001 in Exp. 2. Dry matter yield was determined at each harvest. Stand densities were determined in each experiment. Forage Feast chicory yielded 25% less than Puna (6000 vs. 8100 kg dry matter ha−1; P &lt; 0.05) in 1998, whereas yields of both cultivars were similar (P &gt; 0.05) in 1999 and 2000. Lacerta chicory yielded 9 to 16% less than Puna and Forage Feast in Exp. 2. Forage Feast and Puna chicory had 20 to 50% stand loss in Exp. 1 and 40 to 60% stand loss in Exp. 2. Lacerta chicory lost 80% of the stand during Exp. 2. The plantain cultivars yielded 6 to 14% less dry matter than Puna chicory in 1998 and 33 to 39% less in 2000. Both plantain cultivars, however, suffered a nearly complete loss of plants during the second winter after establishment in both experiments. Ceres Tonic and Lancelot plantain are not suited for the northeastern USA.

Forage Yield and Persistence of Chicory and English Plantain

Graziers in the northeast USA often face forage shortages in midsummer. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and English plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) have been introduced in the USA as sumer-active perennial herbs for pastures. We conducted two experiments at Rock Springs, PA, to evaluate chicory and plantain for yield and persistence under clipping. ‘Grasslands Puna’, ‘Lacerta’, and ‘Forage Feast’ chicory, and ‘Ceres Tonic’ and ‘Grasslands Lancelot’ plantain were sown in field plots in May 1997 (Exp. 1) and 1999 (Exp. 2). Plots were cut every 3 or 5 wk in 1998 and 1999 in Exp. 1 and every 4 wk during 2000 and 2001 in Exp. 2. Dry matter yield was determined at each harvest. Stand densities were determined in each experiment. Forage Feast chicory yielded 25% less than Puna (6000 vs. 8100 kg dry matter ha−1; P < 0.05) in 1998, whereas yields of both cultivars were similar (P > 0.05) in 1999 and 2000. Lacerta chicory yielded 9 to 16% less than Puna and Forage Feast in Exp. 2. Forage Feast and Puna chicory had 20 to 50% stand loss in Exp. 1 and 40 to 60% stand loss in Exp. 2. Lacerta chicory lost 80% of the stand during Exp. 2. The plantain cultivars yielded 6 to 14% less dry matter than Puna chicory in 1998 and 33 to 39% less in 2000. Both plantain cultivars, however, suffered a nearly complete loss of plants during the second winter after establishment in both experiments. Ceres Tonic and Lancelot plantain are not suited for the northeastern USA.

Nutritive Value and Animal Selection of Forage Chicory Cultivars Grown in Central Appalachia

The unequivocal success of ‘Grasslands Puna’ (Puna) chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) as a forage species in other areas has not been realized in the central Appalachian Region of the USA. A field study was conducted in southern West Virginia (38° N, 81° W; 850 m above sea level) to compare nutritional qualities and palatability of herbage from three forage chicory cultivars that were developed in different parts of the world. Puna, ‘INIA Le Lacerta’ (Lacerta), and ‘Forage Feast’ were established on a Gilpin soil (fine‐loamy, mixed, semiactive, mesic, Typic Hapludults) in replicated plots in 1997 and 1998, and herbage was used for chemical analyses and ruminant feeding assessments. Whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus), in a free‐foraging situation, and sheep (Ovis aries), in two cafeteria trials, discriminated against Forage Feast. Deer selected Lacerta first; sheep did not exhibit a preference for Lacerta over Puna. Mature leaves from vegetative rosettes of the three cultivars had similar concentrations of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber (P &gt; 0.10). In vitro organic matter disappearance and amino acid composition were also similar among the cultivars (P &gt; 0.05). In all cultivars, approximately 65% of the total N occurred as protein amino acids. Nonprotein amino acids were not major constituents in any of the cultivars. Results suggest that differences in palatability and intake of chicory are related to the secondary plant metabolite composition of the herbage.

Chicory and English Plantain Seedling Emergence at Different Planting Depths

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and English plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) have been introduced in the USA as perennial herbs for pastures. A knowledge of seedling emergence and the structure of these species under different planting conditions is necessary for developing planting recommendations. We conducted controlled environment and field studies to compare the emergence and morphology of chicory and plantain seedlings from three planting depths. ‘Grasslands Puna’, ‘La Certa’, and ‘Forage Feast’ chicory, and ‘Ceres Tonic’ and ‘Grasslands Lancelot’ plantain were sown at 1, 3, and 6 cm depths in the growth chamber and greenhouse. The seedlings were destructively sampled 14 d after emergence, and the number and mass of leaves and roots (primary, lateral, basal, and adventitious) were recorded. The same cultivars were sown in field plots in July and September 1998 to determine seedling size and emergence from 1‐, 3‐, or 6‐cm planting depths. Controlled environment studies showed that deeper planting reduced the root weight, length, and number more in chicory than in plantain. Planting at 3 and 6 cm in the field reduced seedling emergence by 34 and 60% (avg. of cultivars), respectively, compared with the 1‐cm planting depth. Differences in seedling size among cultivars within species were mainly related to differences in seed mass. Plantain had better seedling emergence in the field than chicory (54 vs. 27% in July and 60 vs. 17% in Sept.), and these differences were not related to differences in seed mass. Both chicory and plantain should be planted no deeper than 1 cm for rapid establishment.

Seedling Development of Chicory and Plantain

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) are perennial herbs for pastures. Knowledge of growth and development of these species is needed to develop appropriate management practices. We compared growth and development of chicory and plantain during establishment in growth chamber, greenhouse, and field studies. ‘Grasslands Puna’, ‘La Certa’, and ‘Forage Feast’ chicory and ‘Ceres Tonic’ and ‘Grasslands Lancelot’ plantain seedlings were destructively sampled weekly for 7 wk in the growth chamber and greenhouse beginning 8 to10 days after planting (DAP). The number and mass of leaves and roots (primary, lateral, basal, and adventitious; growth chamber only) were recorded. In the field, leaf development was measured during spring and fall of 1997, whereas leaf and root development were measured during spring of 1999. Puna chicory developed a larger root mass than plantains, whereas plantains had greater root length than chicory. Plantains developed 8 to 10 adventitious roots on the hypocotyl, but the chicory cultivars developed only one or two. Plantain and chicory developed only one or two basal roots per plant. Primary and lateral roots dominated the root systems of both species. Leaf development in fall 1997 was slower than in spring with only two leaves forming on each species by 49 DAP in fall compared with six to seven leaves during spring in the field. Across environments (except fall), seedlings developed three to four leaves by 40 to 50 DAP. Our data suggest that development of three to four leaves is required for successful establishment of chicory and plantain seedlings.