Growth analysis of maralfalfa grass (Pennisetum sp.) in a warm humid climate

The objective of this experiment was to conduct growth analysis on "Maralfalfa" grass (Pennisetum sp.) from planting to determine the optimal time to harvest. The plant morphology (MP), growth rate (TC), height, radiation interception (RI), leaf / stem ratio (H: T), leaf/no leaf (H: NH) and the biomass accumulation, were evaluated at intervals of 15 d during a 180 d period, except for the first two samples that were sampled monthly. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS, under an experimental design of randomized blocks, with repeated measures over time, with three replicates. The MP varied significantly (P<0.01) across different physiological states. The maximum biomass production and CT was reached at 151 d after planting with 37,297 kg DM ha(-1) and 247 kg DM ha(-1) d(-1), respectively. It also, recorded the highest percentage of RI (97.4), with a height of 2.3 m, approximately. Biomass production of stems and dead material production Maralfalfa grass are correlated positively with the increasing age of the plant. The maximum growth rate coincides with the maximum production of leaves and stems and increased production of total biomass.