This study aimed to evaluate the tolerance of Brachiaria species (B. decumbens, B. brizantha, B. humidicola and B. mutica) to low soil water potential. Morphogenetical, physiological and production characteristics were estimated during and after the stress period. The experimental treatments resulted from 4 x 5 factorial arrangement consisting of four Brachiaria species and five soil water potential (-0, 01; -0, 03; -0, 1; -0, 5 and -1, 5MPa) distributed in randomized block design, with three replications. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse, in PVC column pot 40 cm high and diameter of 30 cm. The soil water potentials were imposed during 23 days after a regrowth period of 22 days. After the period of stress, soil moisture was maintained at field capacity for one week to evaluate the recovery of the plants. Leaf blade elongation rate in B. brizantha and leaf blade senescence rate in B. mutica varied across soil water potential, suggesting these species to be less tolerant to low soil water potential. Stomatal gas exchange control was observed in all species. Water deficit reduced photosynthesis rate of all species, particularly in B. mutica and B. humidicola. The species recovered their photosynthesis rate after water deficit, but only B. brizantha recovered its leaf tissue water potential. Soil water deficit had a detrimental effect on green leaf dry matter production of all species through reduced production of green leaf area mainly in B. brizantha and B. decumbens and reduced culm dry matter production of B. decumbens and B. mutica.
biomass; leaf appearance; elongation and senescence rates; leaf net photosynthesis; stomatal conductance; water potencial
