Developmental dynamics of forage chicory

Most studies on forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) are empirical, and ve ry little information exists regarding the growth of chicory as it relates to development, productivity, persistence, and stand age. Development of un cut 'Grasslands Puna' chicory was studied in southern West Virginia on prev iously established plots at the Scott Farm in 1997 and 1998 and on 1-yr-old plantings at the Plumley Farm in 1998 and 1999. Chicory developmental para meters were modeled as a function of growing degree days (GDD) from Calenda r Day 90 using a base of 5 degreesC. On average, only 58% of the chicory pl ants became reproductive in any single growing season or location after the establishment year. Mean time to initiation of bolting and first open flow er occurred consistently at approximately 400 and 1030 GDD, respectively, a cross locations and Sears. The indeterminate meristem of vegetative plants continuously produced leaves of relatively uniform mature area throughout t he growing season. In comparison, the determinate meristem of reproductive plants rapidly expressed progressively smaller leaves on the main stem from initiation of bolting only until the time of first open newer. The develop mental data herein create a framework with which to begin optimizing strate gies for pasture and livestock grazing management of forage chicory.