COMPARATIVE BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WINTER VETCH VARIETIES
VALENTIN KOSEV AND VILIANA VASILEVA*
Institute of Forage Crops,
89 “General Vladimir Vazov” Str., 5800 Pleven, Bulgaria
*(e-mail : viliana.vasileva@gmail.com)
(Received : 30 August 2018; Accepted : 25 September 2018)

SUMMARY

The creation of varieties which to a bigger extent realize their biological capabilities in a wide range of environments is considered as an important task for the breeding of vetches. In this study winter vetch varieties of different origin have been tested on basic quantitative signs and indicators in a three year field experiment. Both, aboveground and root biomass of plants were analyzed. The hierarchical cluster analysis was applied to group the genotypes by similarity. Relationships between the signs tested were found after correlation analyses. A significant variability was found of nodule weight per plant (110.39%), aboveground mass fresh weight/root mass fresh weight ratio (74.67%), number of nodules per plant (66.56%), fresh stem weight (59.45%) and fresh root weight (58.38%). The stem length (9.14%) and root length (11.58%) are characterized by a higher stability. High coefficient of inheritance was obtained for the plant height (65.2%), nodule number per plant (33.37%) and root length (28.59%) signs. However, for the purposes of selection the BGE004222, BGE000643 and BGE001383 varieties could be used as parental forms for the creation of genotypes with an increased both number and weight of nodules per plant.

Key words:

Forage Res. 44(2) 67-73

EVALUATION OF FORAGE TYPE COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA L.WALP.) ACCESSIONS FOR DRY MATTER YIELD IN LOWLANDS OF SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
TESSEMA TESFAYE ATUMO*
Southern Agricultural Research Institute (SARI),
Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 2228, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
*(e-mail : tessema4@gmail.com)
(Received : 4 September 2018; Accepted : 15 September 2018)

SUMMARY

Six accessions of Vigna unguiculata L.Walp, were evaluated for agro-morphological differences at five locations in lowlands of Southern Ethiopia, 2017. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with four replications. Data on days to 50% flowering, plant height, branch number per plant and dry matter yield were recorded and analyzed. All measured parameters showed significant (P<0.05) difference among the tested cow pea accessions at all experimental locations. Longer days to 50% flowering, taller plant height and higher number of branches per plant over the growing period were recorded at Salayish2 than all other experimental locations. The difference between late and early flowering and maturing accessions for forage harvest was 90 days at Chano substation and 55.75 days at Angela4. Local cowpea was early flowering and maturing having lower dry matter and forage harvest whereas ILRI-9334A accession very late to flower and mature. Number of branches per plant at Chano substation for local cow pea was five whereas 20 for accession ILRI-11114A at Salayish3. Taller cowpea accession gave better dry matter yield at forage harvest. Thus, ILRI-12713A (16.1 t/ha) cow pea accession showed higher dry matter yield at Chano substation and lower dry matter yield was recorded for local (2.3 t/ha) cowpea at Angela4. Accession ILRI-12713A would be a promising accession in the low lands of Southern Ethiopia for its medium days to 50% flower and optimum forage harvest, intermediate plant height with slightly erect for soil coverage, moderate number of branches and higher dry matter yield in all experimental locations.

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Forage Res. 44(2) 74-80

STUDY OF PER SE PERFORMANCE AND HETEROSIS FOR YIELD AND ITS ATTRIBUTING TRAITS IN FORAGE SORGHUM [SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH]
Y. D. PATEL, R. N. PATEL, R. A. GAMI, P. R. PATEL AND N. R. PARMAR
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CPCA, S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar (Gujarat)
Potato Research Station, S. D. Agricultural University, Deesa-385 535 (Gujarat)
Sorghum Research Station, S.D. Agricultural University, Deesa-385 535 (Gujarat)
Pulses Research Station, S.D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar (Gujarat)
*(e-mail : ramangami@gmail.com)
(Received : 3 September 2018; Accepted : 22 September 2018)

SUMMARY

The present investigation in forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] was carried out to study per se performance and magnitude of heterosis in 27 F1 hybrids with nine female and three male were examined in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications for fodder yield, its quality and other yield related traits during Kharif 2016-17. Analysis of variance revealed that significant differences was observed among the parents for all the characters except plant height. This indicated the presence of adequate amount of variability in parents (lines and testers) for most of the traits under study. An examination of mean performance of parents and hybrids indicated that the female DSF-140, male Malwan and the hybrids DSF-138 × CSV 21 F, DSF-123 × Malwan and DSF-140 × GFS 5 exhibited higher mean performance for green fodder yield per plant and some of the yield contributing traits. The cross combinations, DSF-130 × CSV 21 F, DSF-146 × GFS 5 and DSF-146 × CSV 21 F exhibited significant and positive heterobeltiosis for green fodder yield and its component traits. In case of standatd heterosis over best check CSH 13, the top ranking hybrids viz., DSF-138 × CSV 21 F, DSF-123 × Malwan and DSF-140 × GFS 5 were found promising for green fodder yield per plant and its component traits.

Key words:

Forage Res. 44(2) 81-85

METROGLYPH ANALYSIS IN SEWAN GRASS (LASIURUS SINDICUS HENR.) ACCESSIONS
SANJAY KUMAR SANADYA, S. S. SHEKHAWAT, SMRUTISHREE SAHOO, ANIL KUMAR AND NEELU KUMARI
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics
Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University,
Bikaner-334 006 (Rajasthan), India
*(e-mail : sanjaypbg94@gmail.com)
(Received : 3 July 2018; Accepted : 24 September 2018)

SUMMARY

The present investigation was carried out to estimate morphological variation for green fodder yield and related traits in sewan grass (Lasiurus sindicus Henr.) for 273 accessions. The observations were recorded for eleven characters during kharif-2017 at Agricultural Research Station, Bikaner. Out of 273 accessions, metroglyph analysis study was done for 30 best accessions based on green fodder yield per plant. Among all the characters, two characters viz., number of tillers per plant and dry matter yield per plant showed high phenotypic coefficient of variation, respectively. These two characters were represented as glyph for metroglyph analysis; other nine characters were represented as rays on glyph at various lengths at different positions on the basis of their means criteria. On this basis, the 30 accessions were classified into seven clusters which had low-yielding, medium-yielding and high-yielding groups. The accessions from the low and high groups, respectively, generally possessed low and high values for each of the characteristics. The accessions from the medium-yielding group were intermediate for most of the characters. It can be also inferred that the scoring procedure would be utilized in the preliminary screening of a large number of genotypes for selection of accessions with desirable combination of various characters influencing the number of tillers per plant with dry matter yield per plant in sewan grass. Highly diverse accessions, on the basis of their total index score; (RLSB 1-41, RLSB 10-1, RLSB 4-41, RLSB 4-37 and RLSB 10-17) were identified.

Key words:

Forage Res. 44(2) 86-89

RESPONSES OF FODDER OAT (AVENA SATIVA L.) VARIETIES TO IRRIGATION AND FERTILIZER GRADIENT IN BUNDELKHAND REGION (U.P.) INDIA
RAJBIR SINGH KHEDWAL, DHARAM BIR YADAV AND V. S. HOODA
Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004 (Punjab), India
Department of Agronomy, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
*(e-mail : rajbirsinghkhedwal1524@gmail.com)
(Received : 10 September 2018; Accepted : 28 September 2018)

SUMMARY

In a field experiment conducted at Regional Research Station, Uchani, Karnal of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during kharif 2015, maize (Zea mays L.) under zero tillage (ZT) with residue retention recorded superior growth parameters viz. plant height, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation at all crop growth stages with improvement in grain yield (7322 kg/ha), stover yield (9115 kg/ha), biological yield (16437 kg/ha) and harvest index (HI) (44.64%). However, the benefit cost ratio (B: C) was more under ZT without residues. Zero tillage with residue recorded maximum crop growth rate (CGR) (2.77-25.64 g/m²/day) at all growth stages except at harvest where maximum CGR (25.44 g/m²/day) was recorded under raised bed with residue than other methods. The hybrid HM-4 provided maximum grain yield (7037 kg/ha), net returns (Rs. 58749/ha) and B: C (2.18), while hybrid HM-10 recorded higher growth parameters, stover yield (9409 kg/ha) and biological yield (16241 kg/ha). Atrazine @ 750 g/ha pre-emergence followed by 1 hand weeding at 30 days after sowing with better growth parameters, yield and HI proved more remunerative as compared to unweeded check.

Key words:

Forage Res. 44(2) 90-95

RESPONSES OF FODDER OAT (AVENA SATIVA L.) VARIETIES TO IRRIGATION AND FERTILIZER GRADIENT IN BUNDELKHAND REGION (U.P.) INDIA
NEEL RATAN, MILAN YADAV AND U. N. SINGH*
Department of Botany,
D.V. (P.G.) College, Orai-285001 (U.P.) India
Department of Botany,
Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya,
Satna-485 780 (M. P.) India
*(e-mail : drunsingh@rediffmail.com)
(Received : 5 August 2018; Accepted : 24 September 2018)

SUMMARY

An experiment was conducted during 2014-16 at Orai (Jalaun), Uttar Pradesh to study the performance of fodder oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties under varied irrigation and fertilizer rates. The experiment was consisted of 18 treatment combinations viz., 2 fodder oat variety (Kent and JHO-851), 3 irrigation schedules (0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 IW/CPE) and 3 fertilizer levels (75, 100 and 125% of recommended dose of fertilizer-RDF). Result showed that varities of oat did not differ significantly in relation to growth, yield and water use efficiency, but JHO-851 accumulated higher crude protein than Kent. The significant response of growth, dry fodder yield and nutrient uptake to irrigation was observed upto 1.0 IW/CPE and it increased green and dry fodder yields by 11.8 and 7.3% respectively over 0.8 IW/CPE. Likewise, application of 125% of RDF increased green and dry fodder yields by 17.7 and 10.4%, over 100%, respectively. Water use efficiency was increased with fertilizer and vice-versa with irrigation intensity. Apparent nutrient (N, P and K) balances were decreased with irrigation and increased with graded fertilizer application except potassium. Nitrogen and potassium apparent balances were negative. The maximum economic returns were obtained when crop was fertilized with 125% of RDF and irrigation scheduled at 1.0 IW/CPE.

Key words:

Forage Res. 44(2) 96-100

PHYSIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY OF SORGHUM [SORGHUM BICOLOR (L.) MOENCH] UNDER SALT STRESS
S. DEVI, SATPAL, H. S. TALWAR, RAMPRAKASH, V. GOYAL, M. GOYAL AND N. KUMAR
Department of Botany and Plant Physiology,
Forage Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding,
Department of Soil Science, 6Department of Maths and Statistics,
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004 (Haryana), India
ICAR-Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad
*(e-mail : devisaritaa@gmail.com)
(Received : 20 August 2018; Accepted : 20 September 2018)

SUMMARY

Sorghum is a major crop of the world, and its high economic value is due to its use of all plants parts for different purposes. It is moderately salt tolerant crop, more than maize and less than barley. Hence, its salt tolerance potential can be exploited for reclamation of saline soils. The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of salt stress on physiological maturity, affecting the economic yield of sorghum genotypes. To meet the objective, twenty one (SPH 1798, SPH1825, SPH 1858 (SS), SPH 1859, SPH 1860, SPH 1861, SPH 1862, SPV 2324, SPV 2456, SPV 2457, SPV 2458, SPV 2459, SPV 2460, SPV 2461, SPV 2462, CSH 22 SS (C), CSV 19 SS (C), CSV 24 SS (C), SSG 59-3, HJ-513 and HJ-541) sorghum genotypes were chosen and the crop was raised in plastic pots filled with dune sand saturated with two levels of salinity (8 and 10 dS/m) in screen house. Normal irrigated pots served as control. Physiological observation were recorded at different time intervals, but here the results obtained at physiological maturity viz. plant height, no. of leaves, total biomass, total dry weight and grain yield etc will be discussed. Overall, we found that 10 dS/m of salinity was more injurious to sorghum genotypes as only few could survive at this level and couldn’t yield significantly than 8 dS/m of salinity. At 8 dS/m of salinity, decreasing trend was observed for plant height, no. of leaves, total biomass, total dry weight and grain yield over control. The sorghum genotypes viz. SPH 1859, SPH 1861, SPV 2457, SPV 2461, SPV 2462 and HJ 541 survived and performed better up to physiological maturity stage at 8 dS/m of salinity level. Their better performance can be attributed due to more green leaf area (sq. cm/plant), total biomass (g) and total dry weight (g) at physiological maturity. Seed setting was observed in SPH 1859, SPH 1861, SPV 2457, SPV 2461, SPV 2462 and HJ 541sorghum genotypes at 8 dS m^-1 of salinity. However, only two genotypes i.e. SPV 2457 and CSH 22SS (C) set seeds at 10 dS m^-1 of salinity.

Key words:

Forage Res. 44(2) 101-104

ESTIMATION OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE LOSSES DUE TO MAJOR PESTS OF LUCERNE
RITU MAWAR* AND A. B. TAMBE
ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur-342003
AICRP on Forage Crops, and Department of Entomology,
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri- 413 722
*(e-mail : ritumawar1976@gmail.com)
(Received : 18 September 2018; Accepted : 26 September 2018)

SUMMARY

Studies on avoidable losses due to aphids based on quantitative and qualitative traits and those inflicted by Spodoptera litura and Helicoverpa armigera based on quantitative traits were undertaken on lucerne crop during 2013-14. Green forage yield losses in lucerne up to 29.87 per cent due to aphids, 42.28 per cent due to S. lituara and seed yield losses upto 41.01 per cent due to H. armigera were noticed. However, results of influence of aphids on quality parameter of lucerne showed drastic reduction in chlorophyll, dry matter, crude fibre, phosphorous, potassium, ash and calcium and increase in sugar content.

Key words:

Forage Res. 44(2) 105-110

EVALUATION OF SWEET CORN GENOTYPES FOR GREEN COB AND FODDER YIELD UNDER DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NUTRIENT AND PLANT SPACING
MAHESH KUMAR* AND JASBIR SINGH CHAWLA
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics,
Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana, Punjab
*(e-mail : maheshkumarvats@pau.edu)
(Received : 1 May 2018; Accepted : 31 July 2018)

SUMMARY

A field experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during kharif season 2014. Three nutrient levels (125:60:30, 150:50:60, 250:80:100, kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O/ha) as main plots, two plant spacing (60×20 and 60×15 cm) as sub plots and six genotypes (Bisco Madhu, Bajaura Sweet Corn, FSCH 18, KSCH-333, Madhuri and WOSC) in sub-sub plots were evaluated for their influence on fodder yield and green cob of sweet corn genotypes. The application of nutrients @ 250:80:100 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O/ha resulted in higher green cob yield (117.6q/ha) as compared to the nutrient @ 125:60:30 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O/ha (109.0 q/ha) and it was at par with the nutrients level @ 150:50:60 kg N:P₂O₅:K₂O/ha (114.1 q/ha). However, application of 150:50:60 kg N:P2O5:K2O/ha recorded higher net return (31073 Rs./ha) and B:C ratio (1.69) than other two treatments. The green fodder yield (134.5 q/ha) was also significantly higher at higher levels of nutrients. Significantly higher green cob and green fodder yield were recorded under the plant spacing 60×15 cm (116.1 and 132.74 q/ha) than 60×20 cm (111.1 and 125.4 q/ha). Similarly net return and B:C ratio was also higher under closer spacing 60×15 cm. KSCH-333 recorded significantly higher green cob and green fodder yield (141.6 and 160.3 qt/ha) as compared to all other genotypes. Similarly net return and B:C ratio was also higher with KSCH-333 genotype than other genotypes and was followed by the genotype Bisco Madhu.

Key words:

Forage Res. 44(2) 111-114

EVALUATION OF INTENSIVE FODDER CROPPING SYSTEMS FOR ROUND THE YEAR GREEN FODDER PRODUCTION IN CHHATTISGARH
S. K. JHA AND NITISH TIWARI
Department of Agronomy
Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya
Raipur-492012 (Chhattisgarh) India
*(e-mail : skjha_igau@yahoo.co.in)
(Received : 6 August 2018; Accepted : 25 September 2018)

SUMMARY

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the intensive fodder cropping systems for round the year green fodder production in Chhattisgarh under irrigated condition during 2014-15 to 2016-17. The soil of the experimental field was vertisols clayey in texture, low in nitrogen, medium in phosphorus and high in potassium with the low organic carbon. Experiment was carried out in randomized block design with eight cropping system with the objective to find out appropriate annual cropping system for maximum fodder production and economic feasibility. Pooled result of three year indicated that among different cropping system maize + rice bean (2:1) – oat multi cut – sorghum multi cut + cowpea (2:1) cropping system proved higher green fodder yield, 1180 q/ha. The next combination was pearl millet multi cut + rice bean (2:1) + oat multi cut + maize + cowpea (2:1) (1129 q/ha). With regards to dry matter yield maize + rice bean (2:1) – oat multi cut – sorghum multi cut + cowpea (2:1) cropping system recorded 247 q/ha which was at par with the pearl millet multi cut + rice bean (2:1) –oat multi cut – maize + cowpea (2:1) (235 q/ha). Pearl millet multi cut + rice bean (2:1) – berseem – maize + cowpea (2:1) recorded significantly higher crude protein yield (25.84 q/ha) which was at par with maize + rice bean (2:1) – berseem – sorghum multi cut + cowpea (2:1) cropping system (25.30 q ha-1). Maximum system productivity of green fodder (4.15 q/ha) and dry fodder (.86 q/ha) was recorded with the cropping system of maize + rice bean (2:1) – oat multi cut – sorghum multi cut + cowpea (2:1). The mean data of different cropping system over the year revealed that maize + rice bean (2:1) – oat multi cut – sorghum multi cut + Cowpea (2:1) system gave significantly higher gross return (Rs 134943/ha) , net return (Rs 89108/ha), economic efficiency (Rs 313/ha day) and B:C ratio (1.94). It clearly indicated that maize – oat – sorghum multi cut based production system proved higher biomass of superior quality for livestock and net return under agro climatic situation of Chhattisgarh.

Key words:

Forage Res. 44(2) 115-118

SCREENING OF PEARL MILLET [PENNISETUM GLAUCUM (L.)] HYBRIDS, POPULATIONS, INBREDS FOR MULTIPLE DISEASES RESISTANCE
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture
Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University
Hisar 125004, Haryana, India
*(e-mail : kushalraj2008@gmail.com)
(Received : 8 July 2018; Accepted : 30 August 2018)

SUMMARY

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)] is the oldest cultivated crop prone to attack by many pathogens viz., Moesziomyces penicillariae, Sclerospora graminicola and Puccinia substriata. There is an urgent need to have multiple resistance against these pathogens. In order to find out economical and ecofriendly method to manage the disease; attempts were made to identify the multiple resistant sources of downy mildew, smut and rust by germplasm screening. The field screening involved artificial inoculation of hybrids, populations, inbreds and B-lines for downy mildew, smut and natural conditions are required for rust. Amongst 143 genotypes which comprised of IVT, FYT, multicut, population, inbred and B-lines, screened against downy mildew, smut and rust, under IVT genotype 197×198 showed multiple resistance whereas genotypes screened under FYT, six genotypes viz.,71×494, 131×364, 775×319, HHB223, HHB299 and HHB234 showed multiple resistance against all the three diseases. Amongst inbreds multiple resistance was observed in S-374, S-464, S-494, S-524, S-534, S-614, S-616, S-638, S-648, S-660 and S-668 and in case of B-lines genotype 72B, 74B, 76B and 47B were resistant. Amongst multicut and population genotypes none showed complete multiple resistance against downy mildew, rust and smut.

Key words:

Forage Res. 44(2) 119-124

EFFECT OF SPACING AND NUTREINT LEVELS ON THE QUALITY AND YIELD OF FODDER RICE BEAN- [VIGNA UMBELLATA (THUNB.)].
AJMAL FAYIQUE C.,* AND USHA C. THOMAS
M. Sc. Agronomy, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Trivandrum, 695 522, India
Assistant Professor (Agronomy), AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, College of Agriculture, Trivandrum, 695 522, India
*(e-mail : ajmalfayique123@gmail.com)
(Received : 13 July 2018; Accepted : 31 August 2018)

SUMMARY

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Trivandrum to standardize the spacing and nutrient levels of fodder rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.)]. The treatments consisted of three spacings (S₁ – 30 cm x 10 cm, S₂ – 30 cm x 20 cm and S₃ – 30 cm x 30 cm), three levels of nitrogen (N₀ – 0 kg/ha, N₁ – 20 kg/ha and N₂ – 30 kg/ha) and three levels of phosphorous (P₀ – 0 kg P₂O₅/ha, P₁ – 20 kg P₂O₅/ha and P₂ – 40 kg P₂O₅/ha). The highest protein content was observed when the lowest spacing 30 cm x 10 cm (S₁) when the highest dose nitrogen was applied 30 kg/ha (N₂). The lowest CF (16.43 %) was observed at S₂ N₀ P₁. Spacing and N levels had significant impact on green fodder yield (GFY) and dry fodder yield (DFY). The highest GFY and DFY were produced at spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm (s₁) and at N₂ (30 kg N/ha) (while remaining at par with N₁). The treatment S₁ N₂ P₁ (30 cm x 10 cm spacing + 30 kg N/ha+20 kg P₂O₅/ha) recorded the highest GFY (17.29 t/ha) and DFY (3.46 t/ha).

Key words:

Forage Res. 44(2) 125-128

LONG TERM IMPACTS OF DIFFERENT LAND USES ON FORAGE GRASSES UNDER DEGRADED LAND OF NORTH-WEST HIMALAYA, INDIA
J. K. BISHT, R. P. YADAV, B. M. PANDEY, P. K. MISHRA, D. MAHANTA, VIJAY SINGH MEENA AND A. PATTANAYAK
ICAR–Vivekanada Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan,
Almora–263601, Uttarakhand, (India)
(e-mail : rams34052@gmail.com)
(Received : 08 September 2018; Accepted : 20 September 2018)

SUMMARY

A long term field experiment was conducted to investigate the performance of different grasses under different land types in rainfed conditions under the NWH at experimental farm of ICAR – Vivekanada Parvatiya Krshi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora. Significantly higher fresh and dry biomass was recorded with hybrid napier under all land conditions. However, in case of trees significantly higher biomass was recorded with deodar (Cedrus deodara Roxb.G.don) tree. Meanwhile, aus (Thysanolaena maxima) and local grass yielded significantly lower with all land uses, except under deodar tree, but its showed significantly lower production potential as compared to hybrid napier. In case of nutrient uptake (NPK) and concentration in forage were significantly higher with hybrid Napier as compared to rest of the grasses with different land uses. Results showed that the total forage (of all three grasses), were significantly reduced the nutrient uptake and concentration in forage grasses in consequently years; it may be due to the no application of the BMPs (best management practices). The forage yields of all the grasses were significantly higher in the area of deodar tree as compared to other land use situations due to favourable micro climatic conditions. The significantly increase in fodder production under deodar tree has been recorded to a combination of factors including IMPs (improved management practices) by shaded grass and its enhanced nutrient and water availability. From the six years study results showed that the hybrid napier grass under the deodar tree was the best management practices (BMPs).

Key words:

Forage Res. 44(2) 129-136

EFFECT OF CUTTING INTERVALS ON YIELD AND QUALITY FODDER PRODUCTION IN HYBRID NAPIER
P. K. ISHRATH, USHA C. THOMAS AND GANESH DHANYA
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), India
AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), India
KLD Board, Dhoni, Palakkad (Kerala), India
*(e-mail : ishrathpk@gmail.com)
(Received : 23 July 2018; Accepted : 20 September 2018)

SUMMARY

The investigation entitled “Effect of cutting intervals on yield and quality fodder production” was conducted at Kerala Livestock Development Board farm, Dhoni, Palakkad during 2015 to 2016. The main objective was to assess the effect of cutting intervals on yield and quality of fodder using hybrid napier variety Suguna. The experiment was laid out in RBD with three treatments and seven replications. The treatments comprised of three cutting intervals – 45 days, 60 days and 75 days. The results showed that, the highest fodder yield of 57.85 t/ha/cut was obtained in T₃ (75 days), but the fodder quality was better in T₁ (45 days) which registered high crude protein content (10.56 %) and low crude fibre content (26.81 %).

Key words:

Forage Res. 44(2) 137-140