Developmental Dynamics of Forage Chicory

Most studies on forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) are empirical, and very little information exists regarding the growth of chicory as it relates to development, productivity, persistence, and stand age. Development of uncut Grasslands Puna' chicory was studied in southern West Virginia on previously 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 parameters were modeled as a function of growing degree days (GDD) from Calendar Day 90 using a base of 5°C. On average, only 58% of the chicory plants became reproductive in any single growing season or location after the establishment year. Mean time to initiation of bolting and first open flower occurred consistently at approximately 400 and 1030 GDD, respectively, across locations and years. The indeterminate meristem of vegetative plants continuously produced leaves of relatively uniform mature area throughout the 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 flower. The developmental data herein create a framework with which to begin optimizing strategies for pasture and livestock grazing management of forage chicory.