| Sumario: | Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) a native pasture species of Africa is widely used in arid
regions because of its forage productivity and quality. It could become serious invasive
species, not only for crops but also in natural vegetation. Buffelgrass is highly affected by
low temperatures at all stages of its life cycle. The objective was to determine the behavior
of three buffelgrass cultivars (Americana, Biloela, Texas 4464) under cold stress and define
the critical temperatures. To determine the effect of cold stress on the plasma membrane,
foliage damage and survival (regrowth), it was evaluated relative electrical conductivity
(ECr) of leaves, percentage of foliar damage and the ability of regrowth after exposure to 2
temperatures (-5°C and -10°C) with 2 exposure times (4 and 7 hours). The results showed
a higher percentage of foliar damage and greater ECr as temperature decreased and hours
of exposure increased. A similar response was observed when survival (regrowth) was
evaluated. There were no significant differences among cultivars in both temperature
treatments and time when the regrowth was evaluated.
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