Publication Date
1985
Description
The importance of introducing tropical legumes to improve pastures in South Florida is well recognized. Little is known about the persistence of these legumes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival of several Stylosanthes species in pure stands or grass mixtures. Stands of Stylosanthes were evaluated for spread, vigor and persistence. S. guianensis and S. scabra, established in 1971 survived the longest. These stands regenerated each year from seeds. Sterile off-types of S. guianensis showed greater survival ability than most introduced species and acted as Management practices and favorable environmental conditions appear to be of prime importance in the success of Stylosanthes as a forage crop in south Florida. It is suggested that cultivars more tolerant to flooding and better able to compete with the fast growing, vigorous grasses, such as Bahia (Paspalum notatum Fliigge), be developed.
Citation
Brolmann, John B., "The Persistence of Stylosanthes in Florida, A Review" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 18.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session14/18
Included in
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The Persistence of Stylosanthes in Florida, A Review
The importance of introducing tropical legumes to improve pastures in South Florida is well recognized. Little is known about the persistence of these legumes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the survival of several Stylosanthes species in pure stands or grass mixtures. Stands of Stylosanthes were evaluated for spread, vigor and persistence. S. guianensis and S. scabra, established in 1971 survived the longest. These stands regenerated each year from seeds. Sterile off-types of S. guianensis showed greater survival ability than most introduced species and acted as Management practices and favorable environmental conditions appear to be of prime importance in the success of Stylosanthes as a forage crop in south Florida. It is suggested that cultivars more tolerant to flooding and better able to compete with the fast growing, vigorous grasses, such as Bahia (Paspalum notatum Fliigge), be developed.
