FODDER ACCUMULATION, MORPHOLOGICAL COMPOSITION AND LIGHT INTERCEPTION IN WHEAT (Triticum sp.)

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to perform the fodder accumulation curves and morphological components and light interception to determine the optimal moment of cutting for green fodder of three lines and one wheat variety (Triticum sp.). Harvests were performed at intervals of 7 d, 43 days after sowing (DAS). In each harvest the average height of 20 plants was recorded, the intercepted radiation (IR), dry matter accumulation, morphological composition, and leaf area index (LAI). The sampling unit was a square of 0.45 m². The data were analyzed with the GLM procedure of the SAS software, for an experimental design in completely random blocks with arrangement of divided plots and three repetitions. The optimal moment of cutting for fodder was found in the “staking”, since in this state of development is when the highest leaf yields were found, LAI, and the highest light interceptions. The IR, the LAI, and the height can be used to determine the optimal moment of harvesting for wheats used to produce fodder.