Abstract

Aim: The present investigation was carried out to assess the suitability of ten potential perennial grasses on the basis of their performance in the local conditions of Poonch for ensuring round the year fodder security in the district.

Materials and Methods: The grasses tested under this study were Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé), Signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens), Hair grass (Agrostis scabra), Setaria grass: PSS-1 (Golden Timothi) (Setaria anceps Stapf.), Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides), Black vetiver grass (Chrysopogon nigritanus), Marvel grass (Dichanthium annulatum), Hybrid Napier NB-21, Hybrid Napier-NB-37 and Hybrid Napier PBN-233. Single slip of the grasses with roots were planted per hole (05 cm depth) at 50 cm x 50 cm inter and intra row spacing in 3.0 x 10.0 m plots in single factorial randomized complete block and replicated thrice.

Results: The results of the investigation revealed that Hybrid Napier PBN-233 produced highest green fodder yield of 375.0 t ha-1 in local conditions of Poonch followed by Hybrid Napier NB-21 (175.5 t ha-1) and Hybrid Napier NB-37 (133.9 t ha-1) indicating superiority over other grasses.

Conclusion: Hybrid Napier PBN-233 perennial grass may be grown for green fodder purpose in Poonch district to ensure maximum yield and round the year availability of green fodder for feeding livestock.

Statistics