The Summer Forage Potential of Illinois Bundleflower in Minnesota. (C06-fischbach328219-oral)
Authors:
J. Fischbach* - University of Minnesota P. Peterson - University of Minnesota C. Sheaffer - University of Minnesota N. Ehlke - University of Minnesota D. Wyse - University of Minnesota
Abstract:
Illinois Bundleflower [Desmanthus illinoensis (Mich.) MacMill] is a warm-season perennial legume native to the central USA. We evaluated the effects of cutting timing and cutting height on forage yield, forage quality, and persistence of three northern ecotypes of Illinois Bundleflower at three Minnesota locations. Plots were harvested in mid-July at early flower, late-July at early pod, or mid-August at late pod leaving either a 15 or 36 cm residual height. First cut above ground biomass yield averaged 3.5 Mg/ha and ranged from 1.5 to 6.0 Mg/ha, but was not influenced by maturity at harvest or cutting height. Regrowth biomass harvested in September ranged from 0.7 to 2.5 Mg/ha with plots cut at early flower producing more regrowth than plots cut at late pod. Whole plant crude protein decreased from 200 g/kg at early flower to 120 g/kg at late pod. Neutral detergent fiber increased from 400 g/kg at early flower to 590 g/kg at late pod.
Early flower whole plant and leaf in vitro digestible dry matter was 400 g/kg and 560 g/kg, respectively. A lack of snow cover and low air temperatures in January resulted in severe winter injury to Illinois Bundleflower for all treatments at all locations. Illinois Bundleflower has
promising summer forage potential, but its persistence and nutritional value remain uncertain.
Speaker Information: Jason Fischbach, University of Minnesota, 1911 Upper Buford Circle, St Paul, MN 55108; Phone: 651-646-9574; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Wednesday, November 5, 2003, 9:25 AM-10:30 AM Presentation Start: 9:45 AM
Keywords: legume; warm-season; native; perennial
