Phenological groups of perennial grass community on "campo-cerrado" area in the Federal District of Brazil

Abstract

Three consecutive reproductive cycles have been found in a community of dominant perennial grasses in a campo cerrado area protected from fire and grazing. Three phenological groups of species were identified according to the beginning of flowering during the growing season: short cycle precocious species (PCC), long cycle precocious species (PCL), and late species (TAR). The duration of the cycles varied in each group. PCC species had the shortest cycle lasting from one to two months, entirely within the rainy season. PCL species had the longest cycle lasting from five to nine months, and TAR species lasted from four to six months. PCL and TAR species flowered regularly during the periods studied. PCC species differed among themselves: Paspalum erianthum flowered during the three growing periods, a pattern similar to that of the PCL and TAR species. Digitaria matogrossensis did not flower during the studied period. A relationship between plant architecture and flowering initiation has been observed. PCC are short species, with basal leaves, while PCL and TAR are tall species with both basal and cauline leaves.