The objective of this work was to estimate dry matter production of Cynodon grasses as a function of photothermal units (PU). Total PU values were calculated for the period from February 1 to April 24, 1996, from a location in southeastern Brazil. Regression analysis was run between PU and herbage production from a published data set on five Cynodon cultivars, with an r2 of 0.9983. Differences between measured and estimated values were under 5%. Model testing using an independent data set on herbage dry matter production from grazed Cynodon pastures showed an overestimation, probably due to water deficit during the experimental period. In addition, grazing intensity may have been a reason for the less than optimal fit. The model was adequate in predicting the variation in production potential throughout the periods studied although modifications to include the effect of water balance, nitrogen fertilization and defoliation intensity may allow for better predictions under sub-optimal environmental conditions and varying management strategies
