Structural and Productive Characteristics of Urochloa Cultivars Submitted to Different Defoliation Frequencies in Semiarid Region

This study assessed the effect of three cutting intervals (30, 45 and 60 days) on structural and production features of five different cultivars ( Urochloa Brizantha : Marandu, Piata and Xaraes; Urochloa decumbens : Basilisk; Urochloa hybrid: Mulato I). The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design. The interaction between the defoliation frequency and the cultivars not significant to the length and width of the leaf blade, the diameter of the stem, and the number of living leaves. There was no effect of the cutting intervals on the width of the leaf blade, and the number or living leaves. The length and width of the leaf blade were highest in the Xaraes grass. The diameter of the stem, the height canopy and the forage mass grew as a function of the cutting interval. Cv. Xaraes displayed the highest heights and was the most productive. Stems and leaves masses, and the accumulation rates grew with the increase of the cutting intervals. The ratio leaf blade stem decreased as increasing the cutting intervals. Urochloa pastures should be handled with defoliation frequencies up to 45 days. Cv. Xaraes displays a high dry matter production and we suggest its use in intensive production systems.