The experimentwas conducted to estimate morphogenic and structural characteristics and drymatter accumulation rate of leaf blades in a pasture of Cynodon dactyloncv. coast-cross grass intermittently grazed by lactating cows. The evaluationswere performed in Spring (October-November), in Summer (February-March) andin Fall (May-June). The study was conducted observing a completely randomizeddesign. with six replications. Leaf length, appearance and senescence in markedtillers were registered over the rest period of the paddock. Tillers in samplingareas of 0.09 m2 were counted for estimation of the tiller population density.The net DM accumulation rate of leaf blades was obtained by multiplying thedry matter accumulation rate by the number of tillers/area. Leaf elongationrate was higher in the Summer; while leaf appearance rate and the number ofleaves/tiller were higher in Spring. Tiller population did not vary with season,averaging 2,770 tillers/m2. The senescence rate averaged 2.44 mm/dayin the Spring and no leaf senescence was observed over the Summer and Fall.Dry matter accumulation rate of leaf blades was higher in the Summer and showeda close relationship with leaf elongation rate and leaf size. Leaf blade accumulationrate was overestimated when calculated from leaf elongation rate and tillerdensity data.
