Influence of mefluidide on growth, development, and cell wall digestibility of sorghum

1573-5087

growth regulator ; forage ; cellulase ; biomass ; morphology

Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000

Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition

Abstract Application of mefluidide (N-[2,4-dimethyl-5-([(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amino) phenyl]acetamide) inhibits plant development in perennial grasses. This study examined the effect of mefluidide on the morphological development and digestibility of sorghum. In the greenhouse, 5.9 × 10−5 g active ingredient (a.i.) plant−1 applied at the seedling, eight-leaf and boot stages reduced mean plant height 70%, 59%, and 2%, respectively. Heights were also reduced 14%, 15% and 35% by 5.9 × 10−8, 5.9 × 10−7 and 5.9 × 10−6 gram a.i. plant−1 applied at the eight-leaf stage. Field application of 0.26 or 0.52 kg ha−1 mefluidide at either the eight-leaf or flagleaf stage reduced mean plant height of all cultivars. Basal tiller numbers increased 319% 28 d, and dry matter production was reduced 65% 42 d following mefluidide application at the eight-leaf stage. Treated stems were 34% higher and treated leaves were 7% higher in cellulase dry matter digestibility than control plants following mefluidide application at the eight-leaf stage. These results indicate that mefluidide application to vegetative stages in sorghum may enhance the forage value of the plants while it inhibits normal plant growth.

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