The assessment of seasonal yield using some Stylosanthes guyanensis accessions in humid tropical and sub-tropical environments

Abstract

The seasonal growth patterns of some S. guyanensis accessions were compared in three humid environments at South Johnstone (extended rainfall tropics), 'Heathlands' (seasonally dry tropics) and Cooroy (humid sub-tropics). The accessions were selected mainly for their productivity in previously described small mown sward experiments over three years at each site. Previous methods of presenting seasonal growth patterns are reviewed, and a new, simpler method of presentation is defined. Growth was highly seasonal at all sites. There was no growth during July to November at 'Heathlands' and Cooroy due to moisture and temperature limitations respectively. At South Johnstone growth was continuous but depressed in August and December with limitations due to both soil moisture and temperature: the maximum growth rate was 22 times the minimum growth rate. The accessions differed markedly in their growth patterns at each site. In general, the yield differences between accessions were greater at the beginning and end of the growing season than during the peak growth period. The highest yielding accessions at each site had high growth rates spread over a long period. The yield distribution and persistence of Q8231 and 46589C seemed superior to existing cultivars in tropical and sub-tropical environments respectively