Histology of the stems of elephantgrass clones in the wasteland of Pernambuco

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine the percentages of lignin, cellulose and the thickness of the epidermis through histological cuts of the stems of elephantgrass clones (Buaçu/112 x Cuba 116-15,3, Itambé II-2.53, Bag-50, Taiwan-146-2.26, Taiwan A-146, Itambé IV-4, ItambéII-2.3 and Cuba-116 x of Roxo Botucatu-17.27), in three different strata of stems (basal, medium and apical region), registering morpho-anatomical characteristics that can affect grass quality. Clones were collected from established area in the Experimental Station of the Agronomical Company of research in Pernambuco (IPA). A completely randomized experimental design was set in a factorial 8 x 3 x 3 (eight clones, three strata, and three tiges). Significant differences were observed (P< 0,05) between clones evaluated. The clone Itambé II-2.53 and Itambé II-2.3 presented lower values of cellulose in the medullar region associated with higher values of lignin in the region of the cortex, in relation to the others clones evaluated. The basal region of stems presented higher lignin texts, as much in the cortex, as in the medullar region. The results evidenced the importance of histological evaluations in the selection of forages grass destined to animal feeding.