Análisis de crecimiento del pasto taiwan (pennisetum purpureum schum) en clima cálido subhúmedo

The objective of this experiment was to perform a growth analysis of Taiwan grass (Pennisetum purpureum) from sowing until the optimal moment for its harvest. The morphological composition of the plant (MCP), growth rate (GR), height, intercepted radiation (IR), leaf/stem rate (L:S), leaf/no leaf (L:NL), and aerial biomass accumulation, were evaluated at intervals of 15 d, in a period of 180 d, except for the first two samples which were evaluated at 30 d. The data were analyzed through the GLM procedure of the SAS software, under a random block experimental design, with measurements repeated in time, with three repetitions. The PMC varied significantly (P0.01) between the different ages of the plant. The maximum production of aerial biomass and GR were reached 135 d after sowing, with 37,529 kg DM ha1 and 247 kg DM ha1 d1, respectively. At this moment, 92 % of IR was found and height of 2.49 m. The L:S and L:NL decreased with the increase of the plants’ age. The leaf and stem biomass increased with the age of the plants. The maximum GR coincides with the highest biomass accumulated of leaves and stems, with this being the moment when it is suggested that the first cut be performed.