Understanding Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) responses to defoliation in Uruguay

Abstract

This trial provided information about the effects of defoliation intensity and frequency on the productivity and plant population of a plantain pasture. Despite the restrictions in plantain management, the focus is to promote its use as specialised pasture for specific purposes. Maximum herbage production was 10.9 t DM/ha/year for a frequent and severely defoliation treatment. Frequency of defoliation affected productivity at different times, mainly in spring (P=0.0013), production being promoted by frequent defoliation intervals (21 days). Plant population was affected by defoliation strategies during the year, being promoted by infrequent and lightly defoliation regimes. Previous results showed that the effects of intense defoliation increased over time, reducing plant size and density. The understanding of plantain response to defoliation regimes will contribute to increased outputs of plantain pastures and extend species persistence, and allow management strategies to be defined according to the production system. Keywords: defoliation, intensity, frequency, population

Resiembra natural de plántulas de Plantago lanceolata cv. ‘Ceres Tonic’ en una pradera establecida

“…This effect has been previously observed by Cranston et al (2015b), where the proportion of plantain increased as the proportion of chicory in the sward declined. Similarly, Ayala et al (2011a) and Ayala et al (2011b) have observed natural reseeding in plantain swards and suggested that the process acts as a mechanism to maintain plant density. This degree of success has rarely been observed in other pasture species, particularly in New Zealand grazing systems.…”