<b>Morphoanatomical characterization of corn hybrids stems, in order to evaluate silage quality</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v29i3.550

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate morphoanatomical characteristics and possible correlations with cell wall digestibility and with lignin of ten corn hybrids (DK265bm3, DK265, HS5, HS6, HTV2, HTV27, Anjou285, Mexxal, Pistachio and Buxxil) planted at INRA (Unité of Génétique Amélioration des Plant Fourragères, Lusignan, France) in 150 m^² areas. A completely randomized experimental design with five replications was used. With exception for cortical length, significant differences were verified as for the evaluated morphoanatomical aspects, with hybrid DK265bm3 being characterized by lower counts of lignified cells in the medullar parenchyma and cortical areas, lower percentage of medullar parenchyma and higher percentage of cortex in relation to other hybrids. However, DK265bm3 did not differ from other hybrids in regards to vascular bundle surface and cell wall thickness of the vascular bundle. Using correlation analysis a positive correlation was observed between the levels of Klason lignin and lignin in acid detergent with the number of lignified cells in the parenchyma and cortex. IVCNDF showed a negative correlation with the proportion of lignified cells in medullar parenchyma and lignified cells in the cortex.