Effect of previous cutting interval and of leaf area remaining after cutting on regrowth of Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro

Abstract

Experiments with Siratro were conducted at Samford, south east Queensland to study the effects of previous cutting and defoliation treatments on regrowth. In the first experiment, swards of Siratro were cut at 7.5 cm above ground level every 4 weeks, every 8 weeks or cut once at 16 weeks during spring and summer. Regrowth of all treatments over ten weeks was measured after varying (by leaf removal) the stubble leaf area index (LAI) of the plots cut every four weeks. Pattern of regrowth yield was similar for all treatments with a pronounced lag phase after cutting. Regrowth yield after 10 weeks differed between treatments and was linearly related (P < 0.01 ) to residual LAI in the stubble at the start of regrowth. In the absence of stubble leaves, plots previously cut at 16 weeks or at 8 weeks yielded marginally more than those cut every 4 weeks. There were no marked treatment differences in gross root morphology other than a two fold increase in stolon rooting for the 16-week treatment. Nitrogen content of the roots (mean 1.38 per cent) was unaffected by treatment, but the per cent hot water soluble sugars were lower for the 16 week defoliation treatment than for the 8-week and the 4-week treatments. In the second experiment individual plants were cut to a uniform stubble every 4 weeks and either 0, 5, or 10 leaves were left. Dry weight of regrowth and stolon development were greatest when most leaves were left. Two thirds of the plants died after six cuttings with complete defoliation but none died when either 5 or 10 leaves were retained. Plant survival was not related to plant yield or degree of stoloniferous development. However, there was a strong correlation between stolon number and plant yield under this intensive cutting regime. The practical implication of the results in the management of Siratro is discussed.