Regrowth dynamics and morpho-physiological characteristics of Plantago lanceolata under different defoliation frequencies and intensities

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Merino, V. M., Aguilar, R., Pina, L. F., Garriga, M., Ostria-Gallardo, E., Lopez, M. D., Noriega, F., Campos, J., Navarrete, S. and Rivero, M. J. 2024. Regrowth dynamics and morpho-physiological characteristics of Plantago lanceolata under different defoliation frequencies and intensities. PLOS ONE. 19 (9), p. e0310009. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310009

AuthorsMerino, V. M., Aguilar, R., Pina, L. F., Garriga, M., Ostria-Gallardo, E., Lopez, M. D., Noriega, F., Campos, J., Navarrete, S. and Rivero, M. J.
Abstract

Traditional pastures in temperate regions face limitations such as reduced growth and nutritional quality during the summer season. Plantain (P. lanceolata L.) offers advantages like increased yield and decreased nitrogen losses from grazing ruminants. Effective grazing management is essential for pasture health, and defoliation frequency and intensity play a pivotal role. This study aimed to evaluate plantain’s regrowth, yield, and morpho-physiological and chemical responses under different defoliation frequencies and intensities, with the goal of enhancing its management in pastures. The study was conducted in pots within a controlled-environment growth chamber, examining the impact of three defoliation frequencies (based on extended leaf length: 15, 25 and 35 cm) and two defoliation intensities (5 and 8 cm of residual heights) with four replicates (24 pots as experimental units). The variables of interest were morphological characteristics, dry matter (DM) accumulation, herbage chemical composition, growth rate traits, and photosynthetic parameters. Defoliation frequency affected plantain’s growth and nutritional composition. More frequent cuts (15 cm) resulted in lower DM yield per cut and lower stem content, while less frequent cuts (35 cm) produced higher values. Defoliation intensity influenced the proportion of leaves and stems in the total DM, with 5 cm cuts favoring leaves. Nutrient content was also affected by defoliation frequency, with less frequent cuts (35 cm) showing lower crude protein concentration and metabolizable energy content but higher neutral detergent fiber and water-soluble carbohydrate concentration. Plantain’s growth rate variables were mainly influenced by defoliation frequency, with less frequent cuts promoting faster leaf appearance and growth of new leaves. The basal fluorescence variables and chlorophyll content were affected by cutting frequency, being highest when cut less frequently (35 cm), while no differences were found in the actual quantum efficiency among different defoliation frequencies and intensities. The fraction of light dedicated to non-photochemical quenching was highest when cut less frequently and more intensively. Overall, defoliation at 25 cm of extended leaf length balanced plantain forage quality and regrowth capacity.

KeywordsForage plantain; Defoliation intensity; Defoliation interval; Extended leaf length; Basal fluorescence; Chlorophyll content
Year of Publication2024
JournalPLOS ONE
Journal citation19 (9), p. e0310009
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310009
Web address (URL)https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0310009
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
FunderBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Natural Environment Research Council
Funder project or codeS2N - Soil to Nutrition - Work package 2 (WP2) - Adaptive management systems for improved efficiency and nutritional quality
Growing Health [ISP]
AgZero+
Growing Health (WP3) - bio-inspired solutions for healthier agroecosystems: Discovery landscapes
Publisher's version
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online06 Sep 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted22 Aug 2024
PublisherPublic Library of Science (PLOS)
ISSN1932-6203

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