Influence of frequency and intensity of defoliation on production and morphological development of Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Sabi

Abstract

Severe defoliation (2cm height) at fortnightly intervals was extremely detrimental to foliage and root dry matter production. High intensity of defoliation appeared to be more detrimental than high frequency. Four- to six-weekly defoliation to a height of 16cm appeared to be the best with regard to foliage and root dry matter production.

Keywords: defoliations|defoliation intensities|defoliation frequencies|production|morphology|development|dry matter production|roots|foliage volumes|root masses|branching patterns|root production|treatments