Response of branch numbers of Seriphidum transiliense to grazing intensity in Xinjiang desert grassland

In order to study the effects of grazing intensity on the branch number of Seriphidum transiliense and their response, the number and components of branch of S. transiliense were investigated every 30 days from 2012 to 2013 in desert grassland with four grazing intensities, including no grazing (CK), light grazing (LG), medium grazing (MG) and high grazing (HG) in Ashili Village, Changji City. The results showed that the branch numbers increased firstly and then decreased with the increase of grazing intensities which decreased in the following order: LG>CK>MG>HG. The vegetative branch numbers had the same variations which decreased in the following order: LG>CK>MG>HG. The vegetative branch numbers was the maximum in lighting grazing blocks which accounting for 20.5% of total branch number. The productive branch number in no grazing blocks was significant more(P<0.05)than that of the other three treatments. The reproductive branch numbers decreased with the increase of grazing intensities which decreased in the following order: CK>LG>MG>HG.