Nitrogen fertilization of fall panicum cultivars (Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx.): biochemical and agronomical aspects

Abstract

Information on improved fall panicum cultivars and agronomical pratices is scarce because of the relatively small importance of this crop in Brazil. The present study aimed to evaluate levels of nitrogen sidedressing on plant development and biochemical characteristics of two fall panicum cultivars. The experiment was set up under plastic tunnel conditions in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, with plants growing inside asbestos-cement boxes. The experimental design was a randomized block setup and treatments consisted of six levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 mg L-1) applied at the onset of tillering on two fall panicum cultivars (AL Mogi and AL Tibagi). The application of increasing levels of nitrogen to fall panicum plants increased chlorophyll content, total amino acids, plant dry matter nitrogen content, plant height, tillering and grain yield, and decreased plant dry matter sugar content. The cultivars had similar performances in relation to the evaluated variables, as a response to nitrogen sidedressing.