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Response of Sudangrass Hybrids to Cutting Practices¹

Two sorghum x sudangrass hybrids were planted in rows I m wide and cut at three stages of development (frequencies) and three stubble heights. Location of apical and secondary meristems at cutting and origin and type of regrowth were recorded as well as yield and total growth. Best forage yields were obtained with less frequent harvest and shorter stubble heights, but stubble height within frequencies did not influence total plant development (forage yield + stubble weight). The number of primary growth primordia left in the stubble increased with greater stubble heights and with earlier harvest stages. The number of secondary meristems remaining after second cutting increased both with greater stubble height and Iater harvest stages. Tillering was greater with short stubble, while aerial branching increased with stubble height and later stages of maturity. These results suggest that for maximum forage yields, the plants should be allowed to grow long enough between cuttings to fully recover. The most favorable cutting height for forage yield removes the apical meristems and most of the secondary meristems and results in primarily tiller growth. Total carbohydrates increased in the initial growth to the early flowering stage. Although carbohydrates were expended (disappeared) during regrowth, there seemed to be no actual relationship between carbohydrate percentage and yield.

Key Words: regrowth • tiller development • growing points

² Professor, Soil and Crop Sciences Department, Texas A&M University, and Area Agronomist (formerly Research Assistant), East Texas Research and Extension Center, Overton, Texas.

Received for publication December 15, 1967.