Effects of thermotherapy and meristem culture techniques on macro and micronutrients content in elephant grass cultivars

Elephant grass is a tropical forage crop highly used in dairy cattle production, Brazil. It has been getting special attention, because of its bioenergy potential, medicinal properties, and bioremediation profile. The aim the present study to investigate effects thermotherapy based on clonal cleaning methods meristem culture mineral content elephant (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone). Cultivars “Mineiro”, “Taiwan A-147” “Pioneiro” were subjected following methods: (T) combined (MC), mature stems (control). experiment assessed contents phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) sulfur (S) at three cuttings, which performed every 60 days, for 180 days. There was lack from these approximately 66% carried out assessments, standing unanimity all cultivars, methods, most cuts. T+MC only method showing positive effect P Ca content, cuts, cultivars Taiwan A-147 Pioneiro, respectively. clear negative cultivar Mineiro, Mg, A-147. These results, along with observed vegetative nutritional parameters shown other articles published this Journal, show that are strongly recommended more than 15 years ripe stem propagation.