Agronomic and reproductive characteristics of some Desmodium Desv. species

Abstract

The research objective was to study the agronomical characteristics and the mode of reproduction of four species of Desmodium native from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: D. uncinatum (Jacq.) D.C., D. incanum D.C., D. Triarticulatum Malme, and D. affine Schlecht. Morphological characteristics, crude protein, and in vitro digestibility of the dry matter were evaluated in two cuttings: at pre-flowering and flowering stages. The mode of reproduction of the species was observed by three methods: mutual pollination, self pollination and isolation. Average results of two cuttings (pre-flowering and flowering stages) showed a significant decrease of CP and IVDMD with maturity of the plants. D. uncinatum and D. affine showed the highest CP content and IVDMD at both stages, either in leaves and stems. However, D. triarticulatum showed good percentages of CP and IVDMD in the leaves, the quality was reduced in the stems with maturity. Results about, the mode of reproduction suggest that the four species studied are versatile, that is, self and cross pollination may occur. Mechanical stimulation did not increase the seed production.