Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify and select better adaptable, higher herbage yielding forage variety.

Materials and Methods: Five Rhodes grass cultivars (Masaba, ILRI- 6633, ILRL-7384, ILRL-13325 and Dz-253) were used and arranged in RCBD with three replications. All agronomic characteristics and biomass yield data were collected and the collected data were analyzed using SAS statistical analysis version 9.1.

Results: The results of analyzed data indicated that dry matter yield was showed statistically significant (P<0.05) difference among Rhodes grass cultivars. Seed yield (qt/ha) was showed statistically significant (P<0.05) variation among the treatments at both agro-ecologies. The highest herbagedry matter yield and seed yield were recorded from ILRI-7384 (15.44 t/ha) followed ILRI-6633 (14.9 t/ha). The highest seed yield at high land agro-ecologies were recorded from ILRI-6633 cultivar 1 (qu/ha) and Masaba0.83 (qu/ha) variety.

Conclusion: It was concluded that based upon adaptability, Dry matter yield and seed yield cultivar ILRI- 6633 and ILRI- 7384 for midland areas and ILRI- 6633 and Masaba varieties for highland areas of Guji zone.

Statistics