Growth Pattern of Stylosanthes hamata cv. Verano under Controlled Environmental Conditions

Abstract

The growth patterns and development of Stylosanthes hamata cv. Verano were studied in the Controlled environment at DSIR, Palmerston North from seedling emergence to full flowering at 131 days. The results showed that the growth and development of intact Varano were slow at the pre-flowering stage and increased rapidly after the onset of flowering. Maximum growth rate of 2.04 grams/plant/day was recorded between 70 and 80 days and maximum dry weight of 105 grams/plant based on the predicted growth model, was achieved approximately 108 days after seedling emergence. During this post-flowering stage, plant growth in terms of plant dry weight, branch development, leaf number and leaf area increased rapidly. Flowering commenced 35 days after seeding emergence and continued throughout the experimental period. Stem was the major plant component, followed by the inflorescence and leaf fractions.