EVALUATION OF SOME AGRONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CYNODON DACTYLON CV. 'COASTCROSS-1' , TO VALIDATE TECHNIQUES FOR PASTURE AND GRAZING STUDIESThis study consisted of the evaluation of the tropical grass Cynodon dactylon 'coast-cross-1' focusing, mainly, adaptation needs, precision and transference of techniques commonly used for temperate pasture plants. Some features evaluated were: yield, botanical composition, growth per tiller and leaf senescence (tissue flow) and tiller population (death, survival and tillers growth) as related to tiller density (tillers number/m2). These measurements allowed to detect problems and lack of precision of the techniques when transfered directly from temperate to tropical pasture plants. Functional relationships between sward height and shoot mass were established and, as a consequence, regression curves were generated, that change during the year due to changes in ward struture.
cynodon; herbage production; tillering; tissue flows