Agronomic evaluation of hybrids brachiaria in the southern high land of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

Brachiaria spp. is currently the largest pasture area in Brazil, with many varieties registered. In recent decades, various organizations have started the process of crossing certain species, leading to the release of new hybrids. Some plant varieties have been introduced into the production system without undergoing evaluations in research institutions or even in extension services. The lack of regional information on the cultivation and management of these materials can lead to the producer's failure, resulting in productivity and financial losses.  The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of six hybrid cultivars of Brachiaria. The experiment was carried out in 2023, in Lages, SC. The evaluated hybrid cultivars were Ypiporã, Sabiá, Cayana, Mulato II, Mavuno, and Dunamis. The cultivar Xaraés (MG5) was used as a control. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with four replications. The parameters evaluated were forage yield, interval to the first cut, nutritional value, and forage accumulation rate. The Brachiaria hybrid cultivars presented an average forage mass of 8538kg of dry matter per hectare (DM kg.ha-1), with a variation from 6987kg of DM.ha-1 to 9700kg DM.ha-1. There are differences in the production of forage mass, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and forage accumulation among the evaluated hybrids. The information presented in this study will assist in pasture management and the use of supplementation in cattle farming in the region of the southern high land of Santa Catarina.