Abstract

ORTEGA MASAGUE, María; ERAZZU, L.  and  ANDRES, A.. Caracterización estructural y morfogenética de una colección de poblaciones naturalizadas de Panicum maximum Jacq. en Argentina. RIA. Rev. investig. agropecu. [online]. 2020, vol.46, n.1, pp.30-37. ISSN 1669-2314.

The aim of this work was to collect and estimate the genetic variability among naturalized populations of Panicum maximum Jacq. (= Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon and S.W.L. Jacobs) in the Argentine Northwest. The studied traits were growth habit, regrowth vigour, pilosity, length and width of leaf, length of inflorescence, number of vegetative and reproductive tillers, and foliar elongation rate. Through the analysis of variance, regression and multivariate techniques, the existence of variability between populations was determined. The plants of the localities of Quebrachal and Frías presented an erect porterage and, together to Chamical ones, greater pilosity in leaves. The lower regrowth vigour was observed in the materials of Isca Yacu and Leales The plants originating from Quimilí and Chamical were the ones with the greatest width and length of leaves, length of inflorescence and number of vegetative and reproductive tillers; characteristics of great forage interest. The values obtained in the estimation of the genetic parameters suggest the possibility to obtain gains by selection when incorporating these materials to a program of genetic improvement tending to progress of livestock intensification.

Keywords : variability; Gatton Panic; megathermic forage; Argentine Northwest; genetic improvement..