Cutting time and nitrogen levels on the guinea grass seed production and quality

Abstract

The aim of this this was to evaluate the effects of different cutting dates and four nitrogen levels on yield and quality of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum, Jacq.) seed. The following seed yield components and vegetative characteristics were analysed: head length, head density, apparent seed yield per head and per hectare, seed germination, seed purity, pure live seeds and tiller vigour. Except head length, all other seed yield components were affected by different cutting dates. Nitrogen application affected seed purity only. Significant correlations were observed between tiller vigour and apparent seed yield per head and those parameters with apparent and pure germinating seed yield per hectare, showing the importance of tiller development to seed quality. Plants that were cut in February 14^th showed better seed production after harvest; this means that the stand must be preserved of cutting or grazing after this time, to allow better plant regrowth and pure live seed yield.