Influence of mefluidide on growth, development, and cell wall digestibility of sorghum

Abstract

Application of mefluidide (N-[2,4-dimethyl-5-([(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amino) phenyl]acetamide) inhibits plant development in perennial grasses . This study examined the effect of mefluidide on the morphological development and digestibility of sorghum . In the greenhouse, 5 .9 x 10_ 5 g active ingredient (a .i .) plant -' applied at the seedling, eight-leaf and boot stages reduced mean plant height 70%, 59%, and 2%, respectively . Heights were also reduced 14%, 15% and 35% by 5 .9 x 10 -8 , 5 .9 x 10 -' and 5 .9 x 10 -6 gram a.i . plant -' applied at the eight-leaf stage . Field application of 0 .26 or 0 .52 kg ha -' mefluidide at either the eight-leaf or flagleaf stage reduced mean plant height of all cultivars. Basal tiller numbers increased 319% 28 d, and dry matter production was reduced 65% 42 d following mefluidide application at the eight-leaf stage . Treated stems were 34% higher and treated leaves were 7% higher in cellulase dry matter digestibility than control plants following mefluidide application at the eight-leaf stage . These results indicate that mefluidide application to vegetative stages in sorghum may enhance the forage value of the plants while it inhibits normal plant growth .

Improving Nutritive Value of Native Warm‐Season Grasses with the Plant Growth Regulator Trinexapac‐Ethyl

“…The unaccounted variation could be attributed to altered leaf/stem ratios (38% stem to 22% stem) or alterations in stem nutritive value that did not reach statistical significance (+218% treated stem CP; BBIG September 2017; Table 4) The range of TE application concentrations did not indicate an optimum TE rate. Annual warm-season grasses had greater responses per unit TE, defined as lost FM and improved nutritive value (Stair et al, 1991;Redmon et al, 2003). Therefore, further research should evaluate optimizing forage response at reduced rates.…”

“…More recent research has evaluated low-dose metsulfuron application in pasture settings to reduce tall fescue seedhead production (Israel et al, 2015). In warm-season annual forages such as millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], applications of mefluidide improved tillering, leaf/ stem ratio and stem digestibility (Hernandez 1984;Bransby et al, 1986;Stair et al, 1991;Redmon et al, 2003). A study of mefluidide on caucasian bluestem (Bothriochloa ischemum L.) observed improved leaf/stem ratio and digestibility but with high between-plant variability (White, 1990).…”