The use of ethephon for improving shoot development of buds from different positions of BRS Capiaçú elephant grass culms

Use of ethephon on buds from different positions on the culm of BRS Capiaçú elephant grass was evaluated to improve development of shoots during planting. The experiment compared buds originating from the apex and base of the BRS Capiaçú culm without ethephon application, cut culms with buds immersed for 1 min in ethephon solution (0.650 L ethephon/ha) and application of 150 L ethephon/ha directly on the bud on the standing culm. The position of the bud in the culm and the application of ethephon positively influenced the development and gaseous exchange of BRS Capiaçú. Buds immersed for 1 min in ephethon showed better development, CO2 assimilation rate (A), transpiration (E) and stomatal conductance. Plants growing from buds from the base of the culm produced more leaves, with higher biomass and higher transpiration, It is recommended to use buds from the base of the BRS Capiaçú culm for propagation when using ethephon.