Cette étude propose d’analyser l’influence de l’architecture du palmier à huile sur sa capacité à intercepter la lumière, en se basant sur des reconstructions 3D de palmiers et en établissant un bilan radiatif sur ses structures végétales reconstruites in silico. Le premier objectif de l’étude était de caractériser et modéliser la variabilité génétique de l’architecture du palmier à huile et de son interception lumineuse. Dans un deuxième objectif l’amélioration potentielle de l’interception de la lumière et de l’assimilation carbonée a été évaluée en modifiant les traits morphologiques et géométriques des feuilles et des idéotypes architecturaux de palmiers à huile ont été proposés.Des relations allométriques ont été utilisées pour modéliser les traits architecturaux en fonction de gradients ontogénétique et de topologie des feuilles dans la couronne. La méthode permet de reconstruire des palmiers à huile virtuels à différents âges au cours du développement. De plus, l’approche allométrique a été couplée à des modèles à effets mixtes pour intégrer au travers de paramètres la variabilité entre et au sein des cinq progénies. Le modèle permet ainsi de simuler les spécificités architecturales des cinq progenies en incluant les variabilités entre individus observés. Le modèle architectural, paramétré pour les différentes progénies, a ensuite été implémenté dans AMAPstudio pour générer des maquettes 3D de palmiers et ainsi estimer leur interception lumineuse, de l’individu à la parcelle entière.Les résultats de ces analyses ont révélé des différences significatives entre et au sein des progenies, dans la géométrie des feuilles (longueur du pétiole, densité de folioles sur le rachis, et courbure du rachis) et dans la morphologie des folioles (gradients de longueurs et largeurs le long du rachis). La comparaison virtuelle des différentes progénies ont aussi montré des efficacités distinctes de l’interception lumineuse.Des analyses de sensibilité ont ensuite été réalisées pour identifier les traits architecturaux influençant l’interception lumineuse et l’assimilation potentielle à différents âges de la plante. Les paramètres les plus sensibles au cours du développement furent ceux reliés à la surface totale foliaire (longueur des rachis, nombre de folioles, morphologie des folioles), mais les attributs géométriques plus fins de la feuille ont montré un effet croissant avec la fermeture de la canopée. Sur un couvert adulte, l’optimum en assimilation carbonée est atteint pour des indices de surfaces foliaires (LAI) entre 3,2 et 5,5 m2.m−2, avec des feuilles érigées, de courts pétioles et rachis et un nombre important de folioles sur le rachis. Quatre idéotypes architecturaux pour l’assimilation carbonée ont été proposés et présentent des combinaisons spécifiques de traits géométriques, limitant l’ombrage mutuel des plantes et optimisant la distribution de la lumière dans la couronne.En conclusion, le modèle 3D de palmiers à huile, dans sa conception et son application, a permis de détecter les traits architecturaux génétiquement déterminés et influençant l’interception lumineuse. Ainsi, le nombre limité de traits dégagés par l’analyse de sensibilité ainsi que les combinaisons de traits révélées au travers des idéotypes pourraient être pris en compte dans de futurs programmes de sélection. En perspective, des travaux dédiés à intégrer dans ce modèle d’autres processus physiologiques, tels que la régulation de la conductance stomatique et le partitionnement du carbone dans la plante, sont à envisager. Ce nouvel FSPM pourrait alors être utilisé pour tester différents scénarii, comme par exemple dans un contexte de changement climatique avec de faibles radiations et des périodes de sécheresse fréquentes. De même, ce modèle pourrait être utilisé pour étudier différentes configurations de plantation et des systèmes de cultures intercalaires, et ainsi proposer de nouveaux idéotypes multicritères / In this study we proposed to investigate the influence of oil palm architecture on the capacity of the plant to intercept light, by using 3D reconstructions and model-assisted evaluation of radiation-use efficiency. The first objective of this study was to analyse and model oil palm architecture and light interception taking into account genetic variability. A second objective was to explore the potential improvements in light capture and carbon assimilation by manipulating oil palm leaf traits and propose architectural ideotypes.Allometric relationships were applied to model these traits according to ontogenetic gradients and leaf position within the crown. The methodology allowed reconstructing virtual oil palms at different stages over plant development. Additionally, the allometric-based approach was coupled to mixed-effect models in order to integrate inter and intra progeny variability through progeny-specific parameters. The model thus allowed simulating the specificity of plant architecture for a given progeny while including observed inter-individual variability. The architectural model, parameterized for the different progenies, was then implemented in AMAPstudio to generate 3D mock-ups and estimate light interception efficiency, from individual to stand scales.Significant differences in leaf geometry (petiole length, density of leaflets and rachis curvature) and leaflets morphology (gradients of leaflets length and width) were detected between and within progenies, and were accurately simulated by the modelling approach. Besides, light interception estimated from the validated 3D mock-ups showed significant variations among the five progenies.Sensitivity analyses were then performed on a subset of architectural parameters to identify the architectural traits impacting on light interception efficiency and potential carbon assimilation over plant development. The most sensitive parameters over plant development were those related to leaf area (rachis length, number of leaflets, leaflets morphology), but fine attribute related to leaf geometry showed increasing influence when canopy got closed. In adult stand, optimized carbon assimilation was estimated on plants presenting a leaf area index (LAI) between 3.2 and 5.5 m2.m−2, with erected leaves, short rachis and petiole and high number of leaflet on rachis. Four architectural ideotypes for carbon assimilation were proposed based on specific combinations of organs geometry, limiting mutual shading and optimizing light distribution within plant crown.In conclusion, this study highlighted how a functional-structural plant model (FSPM) can be used to virtually explore plant biology. In our case of study, the 3D model of oil palm, in its conception and its application, permitted to detect the architectural traits genetically determined and influencing light interception. The limited number of traits revealed in the sensitivity analysis and the combination of traits proposed through ideotypes could guide further breeding programs. Forthcoming work will be dedicated to integrate in the modeling approach other physiological processes such as stomatal conductance and carbon partitioning. The improved FSPM could then be used to test different scenarios, for instance in climate change context with low radiations or frequent drought events. Similarly, the model could be used to investigate different planting patterns and intercropping systems, and proposed new multi-criteria ideotypes of oil palm.

L’objectif de cette thèse est de proposer une démarche pour identifier des plantes de service (Pds) utilisables en couverture vivante pour contrôler les adventices en bananeraie. Nous avons d’abord quantifié les effets de compétition réciproque entre le bananier et une couverture contrôlée par fauchage pour Brachiaria decumbens et Cynodon dactylon. Ces couverts ont eu des effets dépressifs sur la nutrition azotée du bananier et la productivité en premier cycle, le second cycle n’étant pas affecté. Dans un deuxième temps nous avons caractérisé au champ, en plantes isolées, la croissance en biomasse de huit légumineuses candidates sous différentes intensités lumineuses. En conditions lumineuses non limitantes, chaque espèce répondait à une dynamique exponentielle, définie par la biomasse 14 jours après semis et le taux de croissance relative (RGR). En conditions d’ombrage limitant, le RGR est réduit et le rapport surface foliaire sur biomasse aérienne croît. Ces réponses permettent de définir quatre stratégies d’adaptation à l’ombrage et d’identifier les Pds adaptées sous bananeraie. Pour trois de ces espèces, sur la base de la réponse de l’efficience photosynthétique, nous proposons un modèle de croissance en fonction de la ressource lumineuse. En peuplement, en présence d’adventices, aucune espèce évaluée n’a pu contrôler les grandes graminées, Stylosanthes guianensis et Centrosema pascuorum ont cependant réduit la biomasse des autres adventices de 60%. En bananeraie, les deux espèces évaluées ont exercé un contrôle sur les adventices mais ont réduit la productivité du premier cycle. Pour autant, ces résultats sont encourageants pour l’utilisation de Pds en bananeraie à des fins de contrôle des adventices. / The objective of this PhD thesis was to provide an approach to identify suitable cover crops (Pds) for weed control use in banana plantations. Firstly, we quantified the reciprocal effects between the banana crop and a grass cover controlled by mowing, for Brachiaria decumbens or Cynodon dactylon. These cover crops have had similar depressive effects on the nitrogen nutrition and on the productivity of the first cycle, but not afterward during the second cycle. Second step, we carried out a field characterization of eight legume cover crops, on isolated plants, under a range of light intensity. In non-limited light growth conditions, the biomass growth corresponded to an exponential dynamic, mathematically defined for each species by the biomass 14 days after sowing, and the relative growth rate (RGR). When affected by the shade, the RGR was reduced and the ratio between Leaf area and aerial plant biomass increased. We defined four adaptive strategies of the cover crops to the shade, what constitute criteria guidelines for cover crop use in banana cropping systems. For three of these species, on the basis of the response of the radiation use efficiency, we are proposing a plant growth model without any limiting factor other than light resource. In stands with the presence of weeds, neither of this cover crops was able to control the tall gramineous, but Stylosanthes guianensis and Centrosema pascuorum reduced the biomass of other weeds by 60%. Finally, in banana plantations, the two evaluated species provided a control of the weeds but reduced the productivity of the first cycle. Our results are comforting for the use of cover crops in banana plantation as a mean for weed control.

Apesar de muitos estudos dos diferentes métodos de lotação, a definição de estratégias de manejo eficientes geralmente é embasada em respostas de experimentos realizados com cada método individualmente, e não com ambos impostos sob uma mesma base de comparação. Com o objetivo de fundamentar os argumentos existentes, este estudo avaliou os impactos dos métodos de lotação contínua e intermitente impostos sob duas metas de alturas médias em pastagem de capim Convert HD 364, com avaliações da estrutura e das características morfofisiologicas do dossel, assim como do acúmulo (AF) e taxa de acúmulo (TAF) de forragem durante o verão agrótológico. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos completos casualizados, com três repetições, seguindo um arranjo fatorial 2 x 3 entre duas metas de altura média de dossel (20 e 30 cm) e três métodos de lotação: 1) lotação contínua (LC) mimetizada, com taxa de lotação variável; 2) lotação intermitente (i.e., pastejo rotativo) com desfolhação leniente (remoção de ~ 40% da altura de dossel no pré-pastejo) (LIDL); e 3) lotação intermitente (i.e., pastejo rotativo) com desfolhação severa (remoção de ~ 60% da altura de dossel no pré-pastejo) (LIDS), respectivamente impostos por amplitudes de ±10, 25 e 40% entorno das metas de altura média de dossel, totalizando 18 unidades experimentais (piquetes) de 200 m2. Pastos manejados sob LC apresentaram maior AF e TAF (7410 kg MS ha-1 e 87 kg MS ha-1 dia-1, respectivamente). A interceptação de luz pelo dossel foi maior nos pastos sob LC (97%) do que naqueles sob LIDL e LIDS (93,7%) quando comparados nas metas de altura média do dossel (20 e 30 cm). No entanto, em pré-pastejo, os pastos sob LIDL e LIDS apresentaram 99% de interceptação de luz pelo dossel. Alterações com o mesmo padrão de respostas foram registradas para as proporções dos componentes da massa de forragem e índice de área foliar (IAF), com incremento significativo das proporções de lâmina foliar e colmos, assim como do IAF, e redução das proporções de material morto à medida que os pastos eram manejados sob menor intensidade em lotação contínua, ou havia o incremento da altura de pré-pastejo em lotação intermitente. Os métodos de lotação e as respectivas metas de altura não afetaram a taxa de fotossíntese de folhas individuais, mas a maior fotossíntese do dossel (69,35 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1) foi obtida nos pastos manejados sob LIDS com meta de altura média de 30 cm. Os pastos manejados sob LC apresentaram taxas de fotossíntese do dossel constantes (47 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1), o que resultou em maiores TAF e AF dentre os métodos de lotação estudados. / In spite of the great number of studies evaluating plant responses to different stocking methods, the definition of more efficient management strategies is generally based on the results of studies evaluating each stocking method separately. With the purpose of substantiating existing arguments, the present study evaluated the impacts of three stocking methods (1 - mimicked continuous stocking with variable stocking rate - CS; 2 - rotational stocking with lenient defoliation - removal of ~40% of pre-grazing canopy height - RSLD; 3 - rotational stocking with severe defoliation - removal of ~60% of pre-grazing canopy height - RSSD, respectively imposed by ±10, 25 and 40% variations) combined in a factorial arrangement with two mean canopy heights (20 and 30 cm) of Mulato II brachiariagrass, on canopy structure, morphophysiological characteristics, forage accumulation (FA) and forage accumulation rate (FAR) during the summer growing season. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications, totaling 18 experimental units (paddocks) of 200 m2. Paddocks in CS treatments presented greater FA and FAR (7410 kg DM ha-1 and 87 kg DM ha-1 d-1, respectively). Canopy light interception was greater for paddocks in CS (97%) than for those in RSLD and RSSD (93.7%) for the two mean canopy heights. However, at pre-grazing, paddocks under RSLD and RSSD presented 99% of canopy light interception. The same response pattern was observed for forage mass composition and for leaf area index (LAI), with significant increases in the proportions of leaves and stems, as well as in LAI, and decreases in the proportions of dead material, as the grazing intensity decreased in CS, or as the pre-grazing height increased in the rotational stocking treatments. Neither the stocking methods, nor the mean canopy heights affected the photosynthesis rates of individual leaves, but the greatest canopy photosynthesis (69.35 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1) was obtained in paddocks under RSSD with mean canopy heights of 30 cm. Paddocks in CS presented constant canopy photosynthesis rates (47 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1), what lead to the greatest FAR and FA among the investigated stocking methods.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:28:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-02-26Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:36:49Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_wl_me_jabo.pdf: 738598 bytes, checksum: 3bab2246fd6bc478a66e3929f5f28058 (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / A produção de forragem é influenciada pelas estratégias de manejo impostas a ela, desta maneira, as técnicas para identificação do melhor momento para início e término do pastejo, aliadas aos estudos das características morfogênicas e estruturais das plantas, tornam-se úteis para direcionamento do manejo, pois buscam auxiliar no melhor entendimento do crescimento vegetal, e por conseqüência, da produção forrageira. O experimento foi realizado no setor de Forragicultura, em área pertencente à FCAV da UNESP – Jaboticabal no período de dezembro de 2008 a abril de 2009, com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de índices de área foliar residual (IAFr) sobre as características morfogênicas e estruturais, além do acúmulo de forragem em pastos de Cynodon spp cv Tifton-85 sob regime de lotação rotacionada com ovinos. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por três IAFr, 2,4, 1,6 e 0,8, mantidos por regime de lotação rotacionada com ovinos. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos completos casualizados em arranjo de parcelas subdivididas no tempo com sete repetições, totalizando 21 unidades experimentais. Foram avaliadas nas condições de pré e pós-pastejo, as alturas do dossel, os IAF e a massa de forragem, além da taxa de acúmulo de forragem e as características morfogênicas e estruturais dos pastos. No pré e pós-pastejo as alturas médias e o IAF do dossel se comportaram de forma análoga, decrescendo com a diminuição dos IAFr. O maior valor de interceptação luminosa no pós-pastejo (68,19%), foi verificado para o IAFr 2,4 e o menor valor (35,57%) para o IAFr 0,8. A taxa de aparecimento de folhas foi maior para o dossel mantido sob IAFr 0,8 em função da sua menor taxa de alongamento de colmos (0,51 cm/perfilho.dia). Os pastos mantidos sob IAFr 0,8 apresentaram maior densidade populacional de perfilhos. A massa de forragem seca... / The production of forage is influenced by handling strategies imposed on the techniques to identify the best moment for the beginning and ending of grazing, linked to the studies of morphogenetic and structural characteristics of plants, become useful tools for the directing of management for they aim to aid the best understanding of vegetal growth, and as consequence, forage plants. The experiment was conducted at Setor de Forragicultura at Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias de Jaboticabal, at UNESP – Jaboticabal from December 2008 to April 2009, and aimed to evaluate the effect of residual leaf area index (LAIr) about the morphogenical and structural characteristics, and forage accumulation in pastures of Cynodon spp cv Tifton-85 in a rotational stocking system with sheep. The treatments were constituted by three LAIr, 2,4, 1,6 e 0,8, maintained by rotational stocking with sheep. A complete randomized block design was used arranged in sub-divided parcels with seven replications, totaling 21 experimental units. They were evaluated in pre and post-grazing conditions, the height of the sward, LAI and forage mass, besides the accumulation of forage rate and the morphogenetic and structural characteristics. In the pre and post-grazing, the average height and the LAI of sward, decreasing with the diminishing of LAIr. The biggest value of light interception in post-grazing (68,19%), was verified by LAIr 2,4 and the smallest value (35,57%) for LAIr 0,8. The stem elongation rate (0,51 cm/tiller.day). The grazing maintained by LAIr 0,8 had higher tiller population density. The total dry forage mass was 27,1% superior for LAIr 2,4 regarding to LAIr 0,8 in pre-grazing conditions, being this total production, 72,0% was composed by stem fractions and dead material. The biggest rates of dry matter accumulation were observed with LAIr 2.4, in the second and third grazing cycles... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Submitted by (edna.saturno@ufrpe.br) on 2017-03-23T12:40:14Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Bruno Leal Viana.pdf: 1623265 bytes, checksum: 5707cff554bc2506977fb551f2f6b45e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-23T12:40:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Bruno Leal Viana.pdf: 1623265 bytes, checksum: 5707cff554bc2506977fb551f2f6b45e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-07-27 / The research was conducted at the Experimental Station of the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco (IPA) located in Itambé, dry rainforest region of Pernambuco. The objective was to estimate the coefficients of repeatability, of determination (R2) and the number of measures needed to predict the real value [using principal component analysis (PCA)] to variable morphophysiological and productive, and the responses dwarf elephant grass pasture under grazing sheep. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with five Pennisetum purpureum clones were evaluated: Taiwan A-146 2.27, Taiwan A-146 2.37, Taiwan A-146 2114, Merker Mexico MX 6.31 and Mott. Evaluations were performed during five grazing cycles, from September 2008 to April 2009. Twenty five sheep (42 kg average liveweight) were used in a mobgrazing protocol, leaving the paddock at 30 cm of residual stubble height. The clones were managed under rotational stocking, with 32 days of resting period and three days of grazing period for cycles 1, 2, and 5, and 64 days of resting period and two days ofgrazing period for cycles 3 and 4. Response variables analyzed at pre- and post-grazing included leaf area index, light interception, leaf angle, average sward height, green portion of herbage mass (DM basis). In addition, we estimated net herbage accumulation (ALF), in kg DM ha-1 cycle-1, and net herbage accumulation rate (TALF), in kg DM ha-1 day-1. Data were analyzed by univariate or multivariate analysis of repeated measures over time in the SAS. Means were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. According to the PCA, for the variables LAI and LI in cycles of shorter period of regrowth, and height of plants in the cycles of higher period of rest is needed only one measurement (R2=0.80), classifying them among the characteristics evaluatedas the easiest prediction in elephant grass clones. Assessments for NHA and NHAR size of dwarf elephant grass, under grazing, need long experimental periods. / Esta pesquisa foi realizada na Estação Experimental do Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco (IPA), no município de Itambé, Zona da Mata Seca de Pernambuco, com o objetivo de estimar os coeficientes de repetibilidade, de determinação (R2) e o número mínimo de medições necessárias para predizer o valor real [pela análise dos componentes principais (ACP)] para variáveis morfofisiológicas e produtivas, bem como as respostas dos pastos de capim elefante de porte baixo sob o pastejo de ovinos. O experimento foi conduzido no delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco clones de Pennisetum purpureum (Taiwan A-146 2.27, Taiwan A-146 2.37, Taiwan-146 2.114, Merker México MX 6.31, e Mott). As avaliações foram realizadas em cinco ciclos de pastejo, compreendidos entre os meses de setembro de 2008 a abril de 2009. Foram utilizados 25 ovinos, com peso médio de 42 kg, como animais pastejadores em “mobgrazing”, buscando-se a altura de 30 cm de resíduo pós-pastejo. Os clones foram manejados sob lotação intermitente, sendo 32 dias de descanso e três de pastejo para os ciclos 1, 2 e 5 e 64 dias de descanso e dois de pastejo para os ciclos 3 e 4. As variáveisanalisadas foram índice de área foliar, interceptação luminosa, ângulos foliares médios realizados, alturas médias do dossel e massa de forragem seca verde (MSV), no pré e pós pastejo. Foram estimados ainda o acúmulo líquido de forragem (ALF), em kg MS ha-1 ciclo-1 e a taxa de acúmulo líquido de forragem (TALF), em kg MS ha-1 dia-1. Os dados foram analisados por meio de análise univariada ou multivariada de medidas repetidas no tempo no SAS. Para comparação das médias foi utilizado o teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. De acordo com a ACP, para as variáveis IAF e IL nos ciclos de menor período de rebrota, e altura média de plantas nos ciclos de maior período de descanso é necessário apenas uma medição (R2=0,80), classificando-as entre às características avaliadas como as de mais fácil predição em clones de capim elefante. Avaliações de ALF e de TALF para capim elefante de porte baixo, sob pastejo, necessitam de períodos experimentais mais longos.

Apesar de muitos estudos dos diferentes métodos de lotação, a definição de estratégias de manejo eficientes geralmente é embasada em respostas de experimentos realizados com cada método individualmente, e não com ambos impostos sob uma mesma base de comparação. Com o objetivo de fundamentar os argumentos existentes, este estudo avaliou os impactos dos métodos de lotação contínua e intermitente impostos sob duas metas de alturas médias em pastagem de capim Convert HD 364, com avaliações da estrutura e das características morfofisiologicas do dossel, assim como do acúmulo (AF) e taxa de acúmulo (TAF) de forragem durante o verão agrótológico. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos completos casualizados, com três repetições, seguindo um arranjo fatorial 2 x 3 entre duas metas de altura média de dossel (20 e 30 cm) e três métodos de lotação: 1) lotação contínua (LC) mimetizada, com taxa de lotação variável; 2) lotação intermitente (i.e., pastejo rotativo) com desfolhação leniente (remoção de ~ 40% da altura de dossel no pré-pastejo) (LIDL); e 3) lotação intermitente (i.e., pastejo rotativo) com desfolhação severa (remoção de ~ 60% da altura de dossel no pré-pastejo) (LIDS), respectivamente impostos por amplitudes de ±10, 25 e 40% entorno das metas de altura média de dossel, totalizando 18 unidades experimentais (piquetes) de 200 m2. Pastos manejados sob LC apresentaram maior AF e TAF (7410 kg MS ha-1 e 87 kg MS ha-1 dia-1, respectivamente). A interceptação de luz pelo dossel foi maior nos pastos sob LC (97%) do que naqueles sob LIDL e LIDS (93,7%) quando comparados nas metas de altura média do dossel (20 e 30 cm). No entanto, em pré-pastejo, os pastos sob LIDL e LIDS apresentaram 99% de interceptação de luz pelo dossel. Alterações com o mesmo padrão de respostas foram registradas para as proporções dos componentes da massa de forragem e índice de área foliar (IAF), com incremento significativo das proporções de lâmina foliar e colmos, assim como do IAF, e redução das proporções de material morto à medida que os pastos eram manejados sob menor intensidade em lotação contínua, ou havia o incremento da altura de pré-pastejo em lotação intermitente. Os métodos de lotação e as respectivas metas de altura não afetaram a taxa de fotossíntese de folhas individuais, mas a maior fotossíntese do dossel (69,35 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1) foi obtida nos pastos manejados sob LIDS com meta de altura média de 30 cm. Os pastos manejados sob LC apresentaram taxas de fotossíntese do dossel constantes (47 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1), o que resultou em maiores TAF e AF dentre os métodos de lotação estudados. / In spite of the great number of studies evaluating plant responses to different stocking methods, the definition of more efficient management strategies is generally based on the results of studies evaluating each stocking method separately. With the purpose of substantiating existing arguments, the present study evaluated the impacts of three stocking methods (1 - mimicked continuous stocking with variable stocking rate - CS; 2 - rotational stocking with lenient defoliation - removal of ~40% of pre-grazing canopy height - RSLD; 3 - rotational stocking with severe defoliation - removal of ~60% of pre-grazing canopy height - RSSD, respectively imposed by ±10, 25 and 40% variations) combined in a factorial arrangement with two mean canopy heights (20 and 30 cm) of Mulato II brachiariagrass, on canopy structure, morphophysiological characteristics, forage accumulation (FA) and forage accumulation rate (FAR) during the summer growing season. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications, totaling 18 experimental units (paddocks) of 200 m2. Paddocks in CS treatments presented greater FA and FAR (7410 kg DM ha-1 and 87 kg DM ha-1 d-1, respectively). Canopy light interception was greater for paddocks in CS (97%) than for those in RSLD and RSSD (93.7%) for the two mean canopy heights. However, at pre-grazing, paddocks under RSLD and RSSD presented 99% of canopy light interception. The same response pattern was observed for forage mass composition and for leaf area index (LAI), with significant increases in the proportions of leaves and stems, as well as in LAI, and decreases in the proportions of dead material, as the grazing intensity decreased in CS, or as the pre-grazing height increased in the rotational stocking treatments. Neither the stocking methods, nor the mean canopy heights affected the photosynthesis rates of individual leaves, but the greatest canopy photosynthesis (69.35 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1) was obtained in paddocks under RSSD with mean canopy heights of 30 cm. Paddocks in CS presented constant canopy photosynthesis rates (47 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1), what lead to the greatest FAR and FA among the investigated stocking methods.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production on the semi-arid Canadian Prairies is challenging due to a short growing season and low and variable moisture. The current recommended chickpea population density of 44 plants m-2 is based on preliminary studies and a narrow range of 20 to 50 plants m-2. The aims of this study were to i) determine optimum population density of varying chickpea canopy types, i.e., leaf type and growth habit, by investigating seed yield responses at 30 to 85 plants m-2 and ii) identify desirable parental traits for breeding programs by assessing growth and yield parameter responses to varying leaf types and growth habits at a range of population densities. Field experiments were conducted from 2002 to 2005. Canopy measurements and calculated variables included light interception, biomass, growth rate, seed yield, harvest index, ascochyta blight severity and radiation- and water use efficiencies. The plant density which produced the highest seed yield when averaged over years for each location for each treatment revealed that a plant density of at least 55 plants m-2 produced a 23% to 49% seed yield increase above that of the currently recommended plant density. This indicates that a higher seed yield average over the long term in spite of periodic low seed yield episodes will be more profitable to producers. Increasing plant density increased lowest pod height significantly in all except one location-year but did not explicitly increase ascochyta blight severity or decrease individual seed size. This suggests that increasing the recommended chickpea plant density on the Canadian Prairies will increase seed yield but would neither negatively impact individual seed size nor ascochyta blight severity, especially, when combined with good agronomic practices. Fern-leaved cultivars had significantly higher maximum intercepted light (62 to 91%), seed yield (136 to 369 g m-2), harvest index (0.33 to 0.53), yield-based water use efficiency (0.56 to 1.06 g m-2 mm-1) and lower ascochyta blight severity (3 to 27%) than the unifoliate cultivars in all location-years. The fern-leaved cultivars also tended to show significantly higher cumulative intercepted radiation (221 to 419 MJ m-2) and biomass (306 to 824 g m-2) but leaf type showed no consistent effect on radiation use efficiency. Cultivars with bushy growth habit generally performed better regarding maximum intercepted light (62 to 90%), cumulative intercepted radiation (233 to 421 MJ m-2), biomass (314 to 854 MJ m-2), seed yield (120 to 370 g m-2), harvest index (0.37 to 0.50), yield-based water use efficiency (0.56 to 1.06 g m-2 mm-1) and ascochyta blight severity (7 to 36%) than the erect cultivars. The overall performance of the spreading cultivar was generally intermediate between the bushy and erect cultivars except for ascochyta blight severity where the spreading cultivar exhibited significantly lower disease severity (3 to 36%). Radiation use efficiency was generally not influenced by growth habit. Increasing plant population density generally increased intercepted light, biomass and cumulative intercepted radiation on each sampling day after seeding resulting in a general increase in seed yield. Harvest index, however, remained constant and ascochyta blight severity was generally stable but radiation use efficiency decreased with increasing population density. Chickpea cultivars with fern leaves and bushy growth habit at higher than currently recommended population densities would best utilize the limited resources of the short-season Canadian prairie environment to maximize and stabilize seed yield.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production on the semi-arid Canadian Prairies is challenging due to a short growing season and low and variable moisture. The current recommended chickpea population density of 44 plants m-2 is based on preliminary studies and a narrow range of 20 to 50 plants m-2. The aims of this study were to i) determine optimum population density of varying chickpea canopy types, i.e., leaf type and growth habit, by investigating seed yield responses at 30 to 85 plants m-2 and ii) identify desirable parental traits for breeding programs by assessing growth and yield parameter responses to varying leaf types and growth habits at a range of population densities. Field experiments were conducted from 2002 to 2005. Canopy measurements and calculated variables included light interception, biomass, growth rate, seed yield, harvest index, ascochyta blight severity and radiation- and water use efficiencies. The plant density which produced the highest seed yield when averaged over years for each location for each treatment revealed that a plant density of at least 55 plants m-2 produced a 23% to 49% seed yield increase above that of the currently recommended plant density. This indicates that a higher seed yield average over the long term in spite of periodic low seed yield episodes will be more profitable to producers. Increasing plant density increased lowest pod height significantly in all except one location-year but did not explicitly increase ascochyta blight severity or decrease individual seed size. This suggests that increasing the recommended chickpea plant density on the Canadian Prairies will increase seed yield but would neither negatively impact individual seed size nor ascochyta blight severity, especially, when combined with good agronomic practices. Fern-leaved cultivars had significantly higher maximum intercepted light (62 to 91%), seed yield (136 to 369 g m-2), harvest index (0.33 to 0.53), yield-based water use efficiency (0.56 to 1.06 g m-2 mm-1) and lower ascochyta blight severity (3 to 27%) than the unifoliate cultivars in all location-years. The fern-leaved cultivars also tended to show significantly higher cumulative intercepted radiation (221 to 419 MJ m-2) and biomass (306 to 824 g m-2) but leaf type showed no consistent effect on radiation use efficiency. Cultivars with bushy growth habit generally performed better regarding maximum intercepted light (62 to 90%), cumulative intercepted radiation (233 to 421 MJ m-2), biomass (314 to 854 MJ m-2), seed yield (120 to 370 g m-2), harvest index (0.37 to 0.50), yield-based water use efficiency (0.56 to 1.06 g m-2 mm-1) and ascochyta blight severity (7 to 36%) than the erect cultivars. The overall performance of the spreading cultivar was generally intermediate between the bushy and erect cultivars except for ascochyta blight severity where the spreading cultivar exhibited significantly lower disease severity (3 to 36%). Radiation use efficiency was generally not influenced by growth habit. Increasing plant population density generally increased intercepted light, biomass and cumulative intercepted radiation on each sampling day after seeding resulting in a general increase in seed yield. Harvest index, however, remained constant and ascochyta blight severity was generally stable but radiation use efficiency decreased with increasing population density. Chickpea cultivars with fern leaves and bushy growth habit at higher than currently recommended population densities would best utilize the limited resources of the short-season Canadian prairie environment to maximize and stabilize seed yield.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:07:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 alliny amaral.pdf: 2826151 bytes, checksum: bc0d5f4a3efe10766a4985c4fe45d355 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-08-05 / The pastures are formed by a population of plants and each plant is formed by basic units called tillers. Management practices allow the knowledge of the processes of tillering. The nutritional value of pasture is determined by chemical composition of the plant and its digestibility may be affected by nutrient supply, the station year and the grazing management. An experiment was conducted at Embrapa Rice and Beans-Midwest Center for Dairy Research, in order to evaluate the tillering and nutritive value of grasses and Marandu Xaraés fertilized with nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg / ha / year), from December 2007 to May 2008. The experiment was complete block design with three replications. Data Tiller were grouped in four seasons during the trial period for the variable tiller density (DPP) and three times for other variables (TAP, TSP, and TMP IEP). The evaluation of tillering was held in an area demarcated by tillers known. From the initial population, each grazing were identified new populations of tillers, marked with different colored wires. For the value data nutrition were evaluated in the dry season and water. The collection of samples was performed by simulated grazing were analyzed and the CP, NDF, ADF, lignin and IVDMD. In the review of DPP, there were dose effect (P = 0.0510) and age (P <0.0001), and after the grazing periods, the DPP is stabilized. No differences were found between seasons for the rate of tillers (TAP) to treat 300 kg of N and K / ha / year. In rainy season, the mortality rate of tillers (TMP) were lower the dose of 300 kg N and K / ha / year. The survival rate of tillers (TSP) was higher in water at a dose of 300 kg N and K / ha / year and 200 kg of N and K / ha / year, not different from the other doses. The stability index of tillers (IEP) remained above 1.0 in all treatments and times. For capimxaraés, the linear increase in fertilizer levels stimulated tillering with the increase in DPP to 300 kg of N and K / ha / year. Waters, the dose of 100 kg of N and K / ha / year showed higher TAP. The other doses and times not differed. In the waters between 0 and 100 kg of N and K / ha / year yielded the highest TMP. However, the dose of 100 kg of N and K / ha / year did not vary from 200 kg N and K / ha / year, with intermediate values. At a dose of 300 kg of N and K / ha / year were observed the lowest TMP. It was observed that the pastures fertilized 300 kg of N and K / ha / year had the highest TSP in relation to too, for the waters. The highest values were found in the TSP dry seasons. The stability index of tillers (IEP) remained above 1.0 in all treatments and times. At a dose of 300 kg of N and K / ha / year was observed the highest TSP during the rainy season, although the highest values have been in the dry season. The NDF, ADF and lignin were not influenced by fertilization, but the ADF (33.40 and 31.20% respectively) and lignin (3.93% and 2.97, respectively) were higher in the rainy season. The average CP of pastures were not affected by fertilization, except for CP content pastures fertilized with 200 kg N and K / ha / year was higher (P = 0.0353) during the rainy season. The concentration of NDF pastures fertilized with N were 7.7 and 7.1% lower (P = 0.0368) than Unfertilized, in times of rainy and dry seasons, respectively. The levels Average ADF were not affected by fertilization, but the average content FDA pastures in the rainy season was lower (P = 0.0933) than during the drought. The average content of lignin pastures fertilized with 200 kg of N and K / ha / year was higher (P = 0.0547) than in pastures fertilized with 100 N and K / ha / year (2.27 and 3.86% respectively). The average IVDMD of pasture was higher Unfertilized (P = 0.0476) than that of pastures fertilized with 200 kg of N and K / ha / year, and in rainy season, the IVDMD of pasture was not fertilized greater than that of fertilized pastures. In the pastures fertilized with 300 kg of N and K / ha / year, IVDMD in the rainy season was higher (P = 0.0155) than in the dry season. Pastures xaraés unfertilized grass are prone to susceptibility degradation in the short term and it is recommended fertilization rates above 200 kg N and K / ha / year. Grazing management based on light interception proved valid for pastures that receive manure. Pastures are fertilized more stable compared to the dynamics of tillering. There was no variation IVDMD significantly due to fertilization rates and periods studied with always harvested forage in the same physiological maturity. When the pasture was managed based on IL fertilization affected only the CP. Fertilization did not affect the nutritional value of grass xaraés subjected to grazing management IL-based. / As pastagens são formadas por uma população de plantas e cada planta é formada por unidades básicas denominadas de perfilhos. As práticas de manejo permitem o conhecimento dos processos de perfilhamento. O valor nutritivo das pastagens é determinado pela composição bromatológica da planta e pela sua digestibilidade, podendo ser afetado pelo suprimento de nutrientes, pela estação do ano e pelo manejo do pastejo. Foi conduzido um experimento na Embrapa Arroz e Feijão-Núcleo Centro-Oeste de Gado de Leite, com o objetivo de avaliar o perfilhamento e o valor nutritivo dos capins Marandu e Xaraés adubados com doses de nitrogênio (N) e de potássio (K) (0, 100, 200 e 300 kg/ha/ano), no período de dezembro de 2007 a maio de 2008. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos completos ao acaso com três repetições. Os dados de perfilhamento foram agrupados em quatro épocas durante o período experimental para a variável densidade populacional de perfilhos (DPP) e em três épocas para as demais variáveis (TAP, TSP,TMP E IEP). A avaliação do perfilhamento foi realizada em perfilhos demarcados por uma área conhecida. A partir da população inicial, a cada pastejo foram identificadas novas populações de perfilhos, marcadas com arames de diferentes cores. Para os dados de valor nutritivo foram avaliadas na época da seca e das águas. A coleta de amostras foi realizada por meio de pastejo simulado e foram analisado os teores de PB, FDN, FDA, lignina e a DIVMS. Nas avaliações de DPP, houve efeito de dose (P=0,0510) e de época (P<0,0001) e, após os ciclos de pastejos, a DPP se estabilizou. Não foram verificadas diferenças entre as épocas do ano para a taxa de aparecimento de perfilhos (TAP) no tratamento de 300 kg de N e K/ha/ano. Na época das águas, as taxas de mortalidade de perfilhos (TMP) foram menores para a dose de 300 Kg N e K/ha/ano. A taxa de sobrevivência de perfilhos (TSP) foi maior nas águas na dose de 300 Kg de N e K/ha/ano e a dose de 200 kg de N e K/ha/ano, não diferiu das demais doses. O índice de estabilidade de perfilhos (IEP) manteve-se superior a 1,0 em todos os tratamentos e épocas. Para o capimxaraés, o aumento linear nas doses de adubação estimulou o perfilhamento com o aumento na DPP para a dose de 300 kg de N e K/ha/ano. Nas águas, a dose de 100 kg de N e K/ha/ano apresentou maior TAP. As demais doses e épocas não diferiram. Nas águas as doses 0 e 100 kg de N e K/ha/ano, apresentaram a maior TMP. Porém, a dose de 100 kg de N e K/ha/ano não diferiu de 200 kg de N e K/ha/ano, com valores intermediários. Na dose de 300 kg de N e K/ha/ano, foram observados os menores valores TMP. Foi observado que os pastos adubados com 300 kg de N e K/ha/ano apresentaram as maiores TSP em relação aos demais, durante as águas. Os maiores valores de TSP foram encontrados nas épocas secas. O índice de estabilidade de perfilhos (IEP) manteve-se superior a 1,0 em todos os tratamentos e épocas. Na dose de 300 kg de N e K/ha/ano, foi observado a maior TSP no período das águas, embora os maiores valores tenham sido na época seca. Os teores de FDN, de FDA e de lignina não foram influenciados pela adubação, porém teores de FDA (33,40 e 31,20% respectivamente) e lignina (3,93 e 2,97%, respectivamente) foram maiores na época das águas. Os teores médios de PB dos pastos não foram afetados pela adubação, exceção ao o teor de PB dos pastos adubados com 200 kg de N e K/ha/ano foi maior (P = 0,0353) no período das águas. Os teores médios de FDN dos pastos adubados com N foram 7,7 e 7,1% menores (P= 0,0368) do que os não adubados, nas épocas das águas e da seca, respectivamente. Os teores médios de FDA não foram influenciados pela adubação, porém o teor médio de FDA dos pastos na época das águas foi menor (P=0,0933) do que no período da seca. O teor médio de lignina dos pastos adubados com 200 kg de N e K/ha/ano foi maior (P=0,0547) do que nos pastos adubados com 100 de N e K/ha/ano (2,27 e 3,86%, respectivamente). A DIVMS média dos pastos não adubados foi maior (P=0,0476) do que a dos pastos adubados com 200 kg de N e K/ha/ano e, na época das águas, a DIVMS dos pastos não adubados foi maior do que a dos pastos adubados. Nos pastos adubados com 300 kg de N e K/ha/ano, a DIVMS na época das águas foi maior (P=0,0155) do que na época da seca. Pastos de capim-xaraés sem adubação apresentam tendência a susceptibilidade a degradação em curto prazo e recomenda-se doses de adubação acima de 200 kg de N e K/ha/ano. O manejo do pastejo baseado em interceptação luminosa mostrou-se válido para pastos que recebem adubação. Pastos adubados são mais estáveis em relação a dinâmica do perfilhamento. Não houve variação significativa da DIVMS devido às doses de adubação e épocas estudadas com a forragem colhida sempre na mesma maturidade fisiológica. Quando a pastagem foi manejada baseada na IL a adubação afetou apenas o teor de PB. A adubação não afetou o valor nutritivo de capim-xaraés submetido ao manejo do pastejo baseado em IL.