Yield components in elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus) subjected to different concentrations of sodium zide

Abstract

In Paraguay, elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus) is used to feed livestock, mainly cattle; either under grazing, cut and carry or silage, this due to its productive potential, being able to reach 36,000 kg/ha/year of dry matter, in optimal conditions for cultivation. In the present work, the effect of different concentrations of sodium azide (NaN ), on different components of elephant grass yield, was 3 evaluated to determine the concentrations that were close to these parameters and obtain at least one genotype with characteristics different from the parent. The doses of sodium azide used were: 0.15; 0.30; 0.45; 0.60; 0.75; 0.90; 1.00; 1.20mM. The evaluating parameters were: plant height, stem diameter, regrowth number, fresh matter and dry matter. The results indicate that there were significant differences in the effect of some parameters with the doses used; and there are individualized genotypes that show different characteristics. With this methodology, by obtaining at least one different genotype, it can be used as starting or parental material to maintain preference.