Physiological and sanitary quality of ryegrass seeds submitted to different defoliation frequencies

ABSTRACT: This study determined the effect of different defoliation frequencies in a long-cycle ryegrass cultivar on yield components and physiological sanitary quality seeds. Four were applied (without, one, two, three defoliations). The time between defoliations was 350 degree-days. At first, second, third time, plants 15 cm, 20 35 respectively, lowered to half their height. plant structure evaluated through tillers, along with seeds, which verified by germination tests, first count, accelerated aging, tetrazolium test, field emergence, weight thousand For analysis, percentage (%) fungi incidence seeds verified. second seeds’ high due higher amount primary secondary tillers produced concerning other treatments. However, there no significant difference for since aerial issued same originated from tillers. average such as Colletotrichum sp., Fusarium Phoma Dreshslera spp. lower subjected defoliations.