HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Monson, W. G. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Monson, W. G. Agricola Articles by Monson, W. G.

Effects of Paraquat on Yield and Quality of Coastal Bermudagrass¹

Paraquat (l, l'-dimethyl-4-4-bypyridinium ion) has been utilized as a pasture renovation tool and to provide "cured" standing forage for later utilization. This study was undertaken to determine the amount of standing ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) forage that can be successfully desiccated with paraquat. Subsequent effects on yield and quality of the grass were assessed.

Accumulated Coastal bermudagrass up to 4 metric tons/ha can be effectively desiccated with paraquat. Quality of Coastal hay desiccated with paraquat decreased by more than 20%, within l week after treatment, indicating that this is not a practical means of providing cured forage in situ in the humid southeastern United States. Paraquat plus burning can be used to remove accumulated forage and redistribute some of the dry matter production or provide succulent regrowth in late summer if moisture is adequate. Paraquat plus burning to remove forage reduced yields significantly P < 0.05 when compared to mowed plots.

Key Words: Pasture renovation • Chemically cured forage • Forage quality

² Research agronomist, ARS/USDA and the Univ. of Georgia, College of Agric. Exp. Stn., Coastal Plain Station, Tifton, Ga.

Received for publication July 6, 1976.