This study was conducted to evaluate the tiller population density and its structural characteristics in Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piata subjected to deferment periods (65, 85 and 105 days) and initial sward heights for deferment (20, 30 and 40 cm). A completely randomized block design was used in a split-plot scheme with three replications. The population density of vegetative basal and total tillers was influenced by the interaction between periods and initial heights of deferment, with lower values in the period of 85 days associated with the initial height of 40 cm and the period of 105 days associated with initial heights of 30 and 40 cm. The length of the stem and leaf blade of vegetative basal tillers increased with the raise in the deferment periods. Initial deferring heights had little effect on the structural characteristics of the tillers. The concomitant use of tall plants and long deferring periods reduces tillering of piata palisade grass. To optimize the tillering and structure of the deferred pasture in the region of Viçosa, piata palisade grass should be deferred with an initial height from 20 to 40 cm in early May and remain deferred for 65 days.
Brachiaria brizantha; pasture management; structural characteristics; tillering; tiller population density
