Tiller population in orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) grown alone and associated with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.)

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate tiller population of orchard grass seeded with perennial ryegrass and white clover in different proportions and single. Treatments consisted of the associations: 20-70-10, 70-20-10, 100-00-00, 40-40-20 \% of orchard grass (OG), perennial ryegrass (RG) and white clover (WT) respectively. Treatments were distributed in a randomized complete block with three replications. The association 70-20-10 of OG-RG-WT had greatest tiller density of OG with an average of 3,750 tiller m(-2), and the lowest in 100-00-00 with an average of 2,400 tiller m(-2) (P<0.05). There were few tiller in perennial ryegrass in all associations, with an average of 225 tiller m(-2). Two highest peaks in the tiller population in OG and RG were found in autumn and winter. Regardless of the association, in the spring season more weight per tiller was found with 0.30 and 0.42 g tiller(-1), OG and RG and less in winter with 0.13 and 0.14 g tiller(-1), OG and RG, respectively. In conclusion, all associations in population dynamics of OG tiller tended to be maintained; in contrast, on single OG and RG tended to decrease.