Abstract
The study was conducted with the objectives to identify and select better adaptable, higher herbage yielding forage variety. 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. 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-1) was showed statistically significant (P<0.05) variation among the treatments at both agro-ecologies. The highest herbage dry matter yield and seed yield were recorded from ILRI-7384 (15.44 t/ha-1) followed ILRI-6633 (14.9 t/ha-1). The highest seed yield at high land agro-ecologies were recorded from ILRI-6633 cultivar 1 (qu/ha-1) and Masaba 0.83 (qu/ha-1) variety. As a result, these three Rhodes grass ILRI-6633, ILRI-7384 and Masaba variety were recommended for livestock producers as feed resources to enhance animal production and productivity in the study areas and other with similar agro-ecologies.
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