Growth and forage yield evaluation in different cultivars of Festuca arundinacea and Setaria anceps

Abstract

Three cultivars viz HIMA-4, Hima-1 and EC-178182 of tall fescue grass (Festuca arundinacea) and three cultivars viz S-18, S-92 and PSS-1 of Setaria anceps were introduced from Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Palampur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh and planted in the field of Directorate of Extension Education, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh during August 2014 for growth and forage yield evaluation. Trials were laid out in split plot design with three replicates using spacing in the main plot and the varieties in the sub-plots. There were 54 plots of 2 x 1 m accommodating all the possible treatment combinations. Significant variation was observed for growth and yield parameters in all the cultivars under investigation. Yield efficiency as influenced by clump cross-sectional area and clump canopy volume at various planting densities were also computed and are presented.