Control of reproductive growth in Puna chicory by grazing management

Abstract

The effect of reproductive stem removal on the growth and development of Grasslands Puna chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) was studied on the Deer Research Unit (DRU) and the Pasture and Crop Research Unit (PCRU) at Massey University in 1993-1994. The chicory was in its second and fourth years on the DRU and PCRU respectively. A medium grazing intensity with deer was used on the DRU and four grazing intensities were applied with sheep on the PCRU. Chicory accumulated 10 007 kg DM/ha herbage mass over 6 months from November to May on the DRU and it accumulated 4904 kg DIWha herbage mass on the PCRU over the same period. The growth of primary reproductive stems was suppressed by grazing intensities that left less than 100 mm of stem stubble. None of the grazing intensities prevented the growth of secondary and axillary reproductive stems. Leaf mass accumulation over the season was greatest under very hard grazing (O-50 mm), whereas the total herbage (leaf and stem) mass was greatest under lax grazing (150-200 mm). The primary stems produced in spring were The effect of reproductive stem removal on the growth and development of Grasslands Puna chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) was studied on the Deer Research Unit (DRU) and the Pasture and Crop Research Unit (PCRU) at Massey University in 1993-1994. The chicory was in its second and fourth years on the DRU and PCRU respectively. A medium grazing intensity with deer was used on the DRU and four grazing intensities were applied with sheep on the PCRU. Chicory accumulated 10 007 kg DM/ha herbage mass over 6 months from November to May on the DRU and it accumulated 4904 kg DIWha herbage mass on the PCRU over the same period. The growth of primary reproductive stems was suppressed by grazing intensities that left less than 100 mm of stem stubble. None of the grazing intensities prevented the growth of secondary and axillary reproductive stems. Leaf mass accumulation over the season was greatest under very hard grazing (O-50 mm), whereas the total herbage (leaf and stem) mass was greatest under lax grazing (150-200 mm).