<b>Producción y valor nutritivo de <i>Tithonia diversifolia</i> (Hemsl.) </b><b>A. Gray </b>

To estimate the nutritive value, describe the growth and development of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray, 29 plants were defoliated at intervals of 30, 60, 90 and 120 days, proximate analysis of dry matter and Van Soest analysis for fiber were performed. Analysis of variance and covariance, multiple comparison of means by least squares adjustment and regression models were applied; the maximum biomass accumulation achieved was estimated at 98 days after the emergence of the first leaves. Defoliation positively influenced all variables and an estimate of 136,375 t ha-1 of green matter was estimated at 150 days. The defoliation effect increased biomass and the stems represented the greatest weight. The maximum PC 19.6% and ELN 37% are shown at 30 days and for ADF and NDF the highest percentage at 60 days.