Theme 06: Abiotic Constraints to Forage Production from Grasslands
Description
Low forage production in fall/winter months is a severe limitation for dairy and beef cattle producers in the southeastern U.S. It was hypothesized that shrt daylengths during these months induce a physiological dormancy in grasses. Four grasses [Pensacola bahiagrass, Paspalum notatum Flugge; Tifton 85 and Florakirk bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.); Florona stargrass, C. nlemfuensis Vanderyst var. nlemfuensis] were subjected to extended daylengths during the winter/fall months in a field test. Pensacola bahiagrass and Tifton 85 bermudagrass showed especially dramatic increases in forage yield during the fall/winter season under the extended daylength. Genetic elimination of daylength sensitivity in these grasses appears to be a viable option for increasing year-round forage production.
Included in
Extended Daylength to Increase Fall/Winter Yields of Warm-Season Perennial Grasses
Low forage production in fall/winter months is a severe limitation for dairy and beef cattle producers in the southeastern U.S. It was hypothesized that shrt daylengths during these months induce a physiological dormancy in grasses. Four grasses [Pensacola bahiagrass, Paspalum notatum Flugge; Tifton 85 and Florakirk bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.); Florona stargrass, C. nlemfuensis Vanderyst var. nlemfuensis] were subjected to extended daylengths during the winter/fall months in a field test. Pensacola bahiagrass and Tifton 85 bermudagrass showed especially dramatic increases in forage yield during the fall/winter season under the extended daylength. Genetic elimination of daylength sensitivity in these grasses appears to be a viable option for increasing year-round forage production.
