Pennisetum Purpureum Research Articles

An investigation of the effect of drying methods on the nutritive value of forage grasses

Drying methods have been identified as a critical factor in forage evaluation because there are changes in their chemical components that are affected by different drying temperatures. The study evaluated the effect of three drying methods (sun-drying, shade-drying and oven-drying (60°C) on the chemical components of three local grass species (Pennisetum purpureum, Brachiaria ruziziensis and Brachiaria arrecta) grown under tropical conditions. The objective was to determine how drying methods influence the nutritive value of forage grasses to optimize feeding practices. The harvested grass samples were dried to a constant weight under the three drying methods before being milled and then subjected to chemical analysis. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), ash, ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), and nitrogen free extracts (NFE) were determined. Across drying methods, the DM content was highest (p<0.05) in B. ruziziensis (908 g/kg DM). The OM of the oven dried species was significantly higher in B. ruziziensis (885 g/kg DM) when compared to the species of B. arrecta (867 g/kg DM) and P. purpureum (859 g/kg DM). The CP content was highest (p<0.05) in B. ruziziensis (123 g/kg DM) (shade dried) and lowest (p<0.05) in B. arrecta (87.6 g/kg DM) (sun-dried). Across drying methods, the CF content was highest (p<0.05) in B. arrecta (367 g/kg DM) (oven dried) and lowest (p<0.05) in P. purpureum (264 g/kg DM) (shade dried). Species demonstrated higher levels of OM, CP, and lowest CF levels under shade-drying when compared to other drying methods. It was concluded that drying methods do influence the chemical components of grass species with shade-drying, indicating a greater potential for laboratory analyses and field processing. Keywords: Chemical composition, drying temperatures, fibre, forages, sun-drying, shade-drying.

Sensory and chemical evaluation of laboratory ensiled hybrid Napier grass prepared using Lactobacillus plantarum and propionic acid as additives

The present study was undertaken to evaluate silage made from hybrid Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) ensiled in the laboratory using various additives with regard to sensory as well as chemical characteristics. Four different silages were prepared viz., grass ensiled without additives (GS) as control, and grass silage with Lactobacillus plantarum at 1 x 105 CFU per gram of fresh forage (GSL), grass silage with propionic acid at the rate 0.45 kg per ton of fodder (GSA), and grass silage with combination of Lactobacillus plantarum (1 x 105 CFU per gram of fresh forage) and propionic acid (0.45 kg per ton of fodder) (GSLA) in triplicates. One from each triplicate was opened on 21, 30 and 45 days of ensiling and was evaluated for sensory (colour, aroma, presence or absence of extraneous matter) and chemical (pH, lactic acid, proximate analysis and fibre fractions) characteristics. From the overall results, it could be concluded that hybrid Napier grass, ensiled for 21 days using L. plantarum was effective in preserving its nutritive value.

Green medicated supplement (Green MS) can reduce enteric methane emission from forage-based ruminant rations: In vitro study

About 25% of the anthropogenic methane emissions are due to ruminal fermentation from ruminant livestock. Green medicated supplement (Green MS) is a prototype herb and slow-release urea-based supplement to reduce methane emissions from livestock. This experiment aimed to evaluate the methane emission and digestibility of forage-based rations supplemented with Green MS. This study examines six forages (palm oil leaves, rice straw, Napier grass, sugarcane leaves, native grass and maize straw). That six forages were supplemented with Green MS. The total treatments were 12, with four replications. A completely randomized design was applied in this study. Besides native grass, Green MS can reduce in vitro enteric methane by 0.23 - 3.05 ml/200 mg DM (P < 0.05). However, Green MS did not change the value of all forage’s optimum gas production (a+b). It is interesting to note that gas production from non-soluble fibre (GPNSF) could be enhanced with Green MS in maize straw and native grass (P < 0.05). The response to supplements varies depending on the utilization of the feed substrate in incubation. In conclusion, without affecting feed digestibility, Green MS supplementation could lower enteric methane emissions.

Determination of the corrosion inhibiting properties of ethanol extract of Pennisetum purpureum in acidic solutions

The corrosion inhibition of mild steel by leave extract of Pennisetum purpureum (PP) in 1 M HCl and H_2 SO_4 was studied using gravimetric, electrochemical and computer simulation methods of corrosion monitoring. The results obtained showed that the PP extract retarded the mild steel corrosion in both acidic solutions and that inhibition efficiency improved with concentration increase but decreased gradually with prolonged exposure time. Electrochemical results revealed that the extract reduced both the anodic and cathodic corrosion reactions by the adsorption of some of its chemical constituents on the metal surface. To further confirm the adsorption characteristics of the extract, some of its constituents were simulated using density functional theory simulation method.

Effects of dietary palm oil supplementation on ruminal degradation and apparent digestibility of nutrients in sheep.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of palm oil on the ruminal environment and nutrient digestibility of sheep diets. Twenty rumen-cannulated sheep were kept in individual stalls equipped with feeding and drinking troughs The animals were fed five diets based on Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Roxo) silage and supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 g kg-1 of palm oil (based on total DM). The Elephant grass was harvested at 90 days of regrowth and the concentrate was based on ground corn grain, soybean meal and mineral mix (20 g kg-1 DM), offered to the sheep at a ratio of 1.5 g kg-1d-1 of body weight (restricted intake) to maintain a forage-to-concentrate ratio of 1:1, based on DM. There were no differences (P = 0.324) in ruminal disappearance and degradability parameters with up to 75 g of oil per kg of DM. Organic matter showed a linear reduction in apparent digestibility, while ether extract increased linearly. Palm oil affected the digestibility and nutritional parameters in ruminant diets.

Isolation and characterization of endophytic bacteria from Pennisetum purpureum Schumach

Pennisetum purpureum Schumach, commonly called elephant grass, found in tropical and subtropical climates is used as an energy crop as well as a forage grass. As part of an ongoing exploration of environmentally friendly agricultural approaches in Vietnam, which includes the utilization of endophytic species and endogenous bacteria in fertilizer synthesis, studies were conducted on elephant grass. Elephant grass specimens were gathered and examined to investigate the advantages of endogenous bacteria during elephant grass growth. Endogenous bacteria capable of generating IAA were identified from Pennisetum purpureum Schumach samples collected in the provinces of Hai Duong, Cao Bang, and Thai Nguyen. Five of these strains were chosen for their capacity to stimulate plant development and fight harmful bacteria. All selected strains were gram-negative and motile endophytic bacteria. After 72 hours in a medium with a pH of 7, 100 mg/l L-tryptophan, and 30°C on liquid NA media, the study identified five endogenous bacterial strains (HDR5, HDR9, TNT3, CBR1, and CBR2) that produced the maximum amounts of IAA. HDR5 and CBR2 strains demonstrated the ability to inhibit plant-pathogenic Xanthomonas strains. The investigation of HDR5’s 16S rRNA nucleotide sequence revealed that it is closely linked to the genus Enterobacter. The study suggests the use of endogenous bacteria in fertilizer synthesis as an effective and eco-friendly approach.

Influence of feed supplement based on Andrographis paniculata and irradiated chitosan on in vitro fermentation and methane production of selected forage

The Wallacean region of Indonesia, specifically the Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi regions in Indonesia, carry a large population of cattle. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate methane production from forage-based feed in this region. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of feed supplement containing Andrographis paniculata and irradiated chitosan on the in vitro fermentation and methane production, of forage-based rations in this region. This study evaluates five forages that are mainly used as feed ingredients by smallholder farmers nnamely, (Sorghum forage, Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott, Pennisetum purpupoides, Indigofera zollingeriana and cocoa pod husk. That five forages were supplemented with Andrographis paniculata and irradiated chitosan. There were a total of 10 treatments with four replications. The samples were subjected to in vitro analysis using the gas production technique. There was no differences between the treatment with and without feed supplements on in vitro gas production. There was no interaction between feed supplement addition and forage type. Feed supplement addition influence pH (P&lt;0.05) and single chain fatty acids (SCFAs) value (P&lt;0.01). The addition of feed supplements with added Andrographis paniculata and irradiated chitosan in the Pennisetum purpupoides forage can reduce the production of enteric methane (P&lt;0.05). The results suggest that, except for sorghum forages, the addition of feed supplements tended to reduce methane gas emissions from forage samples. Moreover, except for pH and SCFAs, In vitro gas production and digestibility of forage from eastern Indonesia were not affected by the addition of feed supplement.

In vitrodigestibility and rumen pH of diet comprised by different level ofIndigofera zollingerianaandPennisetum purpureum

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of different levels ofIndigofera zollingerianaandPennisetum purpureum cv. Mott on the in vitro digestibility and rumen pH. The treatments were T1=60%Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott, T2 = 45%Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott + 15% Indigofera zollingeriana, T3 = 30%Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott + 30% Indigofera zollingeriana, T4 = 15%Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott + 45%Indigofera zollingeriana,and T5 = 60%Indigofera zollingeriana. All the treatments supplied with rice bran 40%. The result showed that there are no significant difference on ruminal pH (P&gt;0.05). The ruminal pH were in normal range that were 6.66-6.73. The increasing level ofIndigofera zollingerianatoPennisetum purpureum cv. Mott had no significant effect to dry matter and organic matter digestibility. The dry matter digestibility were around 60,56%-70.46% while the organic matter digestibility were around 60.01%-65.99%. This research indicated that the increasing level of Indigofera could decrease the digestibility. The treatment T4 (15% P.purpureum+ 45%Indigofera zollingeriana) showed the highest digestibility values.

Productivity and Nutrient Quality of Elephant Grass, Pakchong Grass, Red Navier Grass and Odot Grass as a Source of Animal Feed

Feed is the primary need of the livestock business world; in intensive livestock farming, the cost of feed reaches around 70% of the total production cost, so the price of feed ingredients determines the cost of production. The main feed source of ruminants is forage, and, therefore, the productivity of ruminants depends very much on the availability of good fodder ingredients and a guarantee of quality. The goal of this research was to examine the productivity and nutritional quality of elephant grass, pakchong, red napier, and odot as livestock feed that may be grown in Indonesia. The observed data were analyzed descriptively. The results show that pakcong grass has the highest plant height and greater productivity compared to others. Odot grass has better nutritional quality based on crude protein and crude fiber content compared to others. Red napier grass, pakcong grass, elephant grass, and odot grass are forages that have the potential to be used as a source of feed ingredients for livestock in Indonesia.

English

This study focuses on the impact of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals concentrations in soil on abundance, richness and diversity of plants at Marlu tailings dam located near Bogoso, Ghana. The concentrations of heavy metals (mg/kg) in soil at the study area are as follows: Fe (10,528.9 - 7,873.0), Cu (224.9 - 177.4), Zn (51.6 - 42.7), Cd (3.0 - 2.6), As (2.4 - 1.7) and Mn (78.3 - 57.1). Soil nutrient levels (nitrate, phosphate and sulphates) were relatively low with most sites having acidic soils (6.4 - 5.3). A total of 2,055 plants composed of eighteen (18) different species were observed at the study area. Pennisetum purpureum was the most abundant plant species (46.8%), and Poaceae and Asteraceae were the predominant families with percentage abundance of 37 and 28.8%, respectively. Diversity of plants measured using Simpson and Shannon indices at sampling sites varied significantly between the different sampling sites but are relatively low compared to other similar sites in Ghana. Species richness and diversity of plants correlated positively with the low nutrient levels and soil acidity. Low plant abundance, species richness and diversity correlated with increased Copper (Cu) levels in soil. Cadmium (Cd) levels were correlated with low abundance of plants belonging to families Asteraceae and Fabaceae. The presence of heavy metals at concentrations above regulatory limits negatively impacted on abundance and diversity of plants at the decommissioned mine tailings dam. Increased concentrations of heavy metals and low nutrient levels in soil could account for reduced plant abundance, species richness and diversity at the mine tailings dam. &nbsp; Key words: Plant diversity, mine tailings dam, heavy metals, physicochemical parameters.

Pilot Study on Carbon Footprint of Small-Scale Beef Cattle Production at South-West Region of Bangladesh

The study was conducted to investigate feed basket composition, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission factors and carbon footprint of beef cattle production at Khulna division, Bangladesh. Data were collected on herd structure, farm feedstuff, manure management and farm operation of 231 beef cattle farms by interviewing farmers and filling up open questionnaires. The feed basket of 75 beef cattle of different genotypes in 24 farms was studied by keeping a record of individual feedstuff intake for three months. Results indicated that the feed basket of a 321 (±131) kg beef cattle, irrespective of genotype, was consisted of rice straw, Napier grass, maize fodder, jumbo grass and concentrate mixture at 3.61 (±1.60), 3.25 (±4.66), 0.21 (±1.34), 0.07 (±0.58), 1.73 (±3.08) and 3.69 (±1.40) kg/d, respectively. The digestibility of diet, volatile solids in manure and nitrogen excretion rate were estimated as 65 (±3.89) %, 8.3 (±2.01) and 0.29 (±0.07) kg/d/1000 kg LW, respectively. The emission factors of enteric CH4, manure CH4 were 46 (±18), and 9.06 (±10.86) kg CH4/yr/animal. The direct and indirect N2O emission factors due to volatilization and leaching were 2.96 (±0.01), 0.06 (±0.07) and 0.017 (±0.019) kg N2O/yr/animal, respectively. Based on the results of emission factors, including the carbon footprint of farm feedstuff (0.33 (±0.33) kg CO2e/yr/t fresh) and farm operation emission factor (131 (±109) kg CO2e/yr/cattle), the carbon footprint of beef cattle production was estimated as 7.68 (±0.98) kg CO2e/kg LW of beef cattle. Estimation of GHG emission factors for all sources in each livestock enterprise, and then accounting for carbon footprint may help realize the environmental cost of production and undertake appropriate mitigation measures. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 29 (1&amp;2), 2022: P. 34-52

Regrowth of Dwarf Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) Treated with Nitrogen Fertilizer in its Initial Development

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengkaji pengaruh perlakuan awal pemupukan nitrogen terhadap pertumbuhan kembali rumput Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott pada penelitian terdahulu pada tahun 2018 setelah tanam dan mengalami 5 kali pemangkasan berulang. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan selama dua bulan, di Kebun Koleksi dan Pengembangan Tanaman Hijauan Makanan Ternak milik CV. Sandtya Saryamkusuma, di Desa Loru Kecamatan Sigi Biromaru, Kabupaten Sigi, Sulawesi Tengah. Perlakuan pemberian pupuk nitrogen dengan dosis berbeda yakni: 0; 50; 100; dan 150 kg N/ha, setara berturut-turut 0 kg/ha; 10,87 kg/ha; 21,74 kg/ha dan 32,61 kg/ha dengan 5 kali ulangan, sehingga diperoleh 20 unit percobaan yang diatur dengan menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK). Variabel yang diamati meliputi; tinggi tanaman, panjang helaian daun, lebar helaian daun, panjang pelepah daun dan jumlah anakan. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) dengan program STAT-27. Hasil analisis keragaman menunjukkan perlakuan tidak berpengaruh nyata (p&gt;0,05) terhadap masing-masing parameter. Disimpulkan bahwa; i) sudah tidak ada residu pupuk dari pemupukan pada penelitian terdahulu atau perbedaan residu yang ada antar perlakuan sudah tidak mampu memicu perbedaan pertumbuhan kembali tanaman percobaan; dan ii) pemupukan nitrogen diperlukan untuk mengembalikan pertumbuhan yang lebih baik dari rumput gajah mini pada kondisi lokasi penelitian ini.

Pengaruh Dosis Pupuk Kandang Sapi terhadap Beberapa Parameter Agronomi dan Produksi Rumput Odot

Odot grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) is a perennial forage plant that is responsive to fertilization. The research was carried out from October 1 to November 30 2022 in the Grass Garden, Dukuh Sumur Kidul, Ambalkumolo Village, Buluspesantren District, Kebumen Regency. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of cow manure on several agronomic parameters and odot grass production. The research method used is experimental. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 doses namely K0 = 0 ton/ha; K1 = 5 tonnes/ha; K2 = 10 tonnes/ha; K3 = 15 tons/ha repeated 5 times. Agronomic parameters include plant height, number of leaves, while production includes fresh production and dry matter. The results showed that the treatment had a significant effect (P&lt;0,05) on plant height, number of leaves, fresh production and dry matter production of odot grass. The average plant height is 90,26-123,29 cm, the number of leaves is 27,16-35,27 per clump, fresh production is 3,91 – 6,19 kg per unit, dry matter production is 0,30-0.,55 kg per unit. The best dose of manure as measured from agronomic and production parameters is 15 tonnes/ha. Keywords: Agronomy, Production, Odot Grass, Manure

Acceptability of Pennisetum purpureum by West African dwarf rams as influenced by manure application rates

The present study evaluated the chemical composition and acceptability of Pennisetum purpureum by West African dwarf (WAD) rams as influenced by manure application rates. The experiment was a completely randomized design replicated three times. Grasses that have been fertilized with 5 and 10 t ha-1 of swine manure and unfertilized (control (0 t ha-1)), were harvested from the experimental site 9 weeks after planting from 15 cm above ground level and evaluated for proximate and fibre composition. The harvested grasses were also offered to nine WAD rams on cafeteria basis, to assess the acceptability indices of the grass based on treatments. Results showed that the grass with manures consistently had higher (p&amp;lt;0.05) crude protein (CP) contents than the control (unfertilized plants) while all the grasses with different manure rates had similar (p&amp;gt;0.05) neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Consumption, co-efficient of preference and relative palatability of P. purpureum by WAD rams were improved by manure application, where highest values of acceptability indices was recorded in grass with manure rate of 5 t ha-1 over 10 t ha-1 manured grass. Percentage consumption, co-efficient preference and relative palatability index were in the order 5 t ha-1 &amp;gt; 10 t ha-1 &amp;gt; 0 t ha-1 (unfertilized). From the result, it can be concluded that P. purpureum with manure had a better chemical composition profile (higher CP) and better acceptability than unfertilized grass. Enhancing P. purpureum with manure at 5 t ha-1 had higher ash content and improved acceptability by WAD rams than grass with 10 t ha-1 manure application rate.

Digestibility Quality of Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and Concentrate with The Addition of Urea Molasses In Vitro

This study aimed to study the digestibility quality of Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and concentrate with the addition of urea molasses in vitro. The study was conducted in vitro using an experimental method. The design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and five repetitions: T0 (Elephant Grass 100%), T1 (Elephant Grass 60% + 40% Concentrate), T2 (Elephant Grass 60%) % + Umos 40%) T3 (Elephant Grass 60% + Concentrate 20% + Umos 20%). The results showed no effect (P&gt;0.05) of the combination treatment on dry matter digestibility. Meanwhile, T2 and T3 treatments affected the fermentation quality, including VFA, NH3, total gas production, and methane gas concentration.

Morpho-molecular characterization of napier (Pennisetum purpureum) fodder mutants through SSR markers

Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) fodder is an important fodder supporting livestock systems in Bangladesh. Using gamma irradiation we developed 48 Napier fodder mutants which were analyzed through morpho-molecular characterization. Among 48 Napier fodder mutants, 41 mutants were originated by applying radiation (20Gy, 30Gy, 40Gy and 50 Gy) on them. The Napier mutants showed variations in survival rate and fresh weight. The survival rate (0-75%) was observed, 20Gy treated plants produced higher fresh weight in Napier-2, Napier-3, Rokona, Markiron grasses; whereas, 30Gy treated plants produced higher fresh weight in Napier-1, Napier-4 and Pakchong. The total of the alleles found in molecular characterization were 17 and the mean number of allele per locus was 3.4. The PIC value ranged from 0.3047 to 0.6587 having an average of 0.4704 per locus. The highest gene diversity (0.7101) was observed in primer Xipes0093 and the lowest gene diversity (0.3750) was observed in primer PSMP2255, having an average diversity of 0.5286. Pair wise genetic distance values ranged (0.0-1.0) with highest between Napier-2 40 Gy vs (Napier-1control, Napier-2 20Gy Napier-2 30Gy), Napier -3 control, vs (Napier-1control, Napier-2 20Gy Napier-2 30Gy), Napier- 3 20Gy vs (Napier-1control, Napier-2 20Gy Napier-2 30Gy) ,(Napier-3 20Gy, Napier-3 30Gy Napier-1 20Gy, Napier-3 50Gy) vs (Napier -2 20Gy, Napier-3 control, Napier-3 20Gy) etc. The UPGMA displayed five major clusters including sub-clusters. Cluster 5 included the highest number of genotypes (21) and cluster 3 included the lowest number of genotypes (2). The results may be useful for future breeding program for Napier fodder development. SAARC J. Agric., 20(2): 105-119 (2022)

Optimized model of fermentable sugar production from Napier grass for biohydrogen generation via dark fermentation

Biohydrogen is a fossil-fuel alternative. Lignocellulosic biomass is a complex part of cellulose-to-simple sugar production. Napier grass, one of the lignocellulosic biomasses, is best for biofuels or biochemicals. The dark fermentation process of Napier grass for biohydrogen proved both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. This grass contains cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin were 35.44 ± 2.01, 20.05 ± 1.55, and 28.473 ± 1.34, respectively. Sodium hydroxide was used in different concentrations to delignify lignocellulose and improve grass glucose recovery. Fermentative hydrogen production from grass biomass processing by microflora was optimized in terms of pH (4.5–7.0) and mesophilic condition (35 ± 2 °C). In this study, mesophilic conditions favored maximum hydrogen production (763.34 ml), indicating that pH 5.5 was suitable for dark-fermentative hydrogen production; study results showed Napier grass could be used successfully for dark fermentation to produce biohydrogen.

Integrated multi-omics reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying efficient phosphorus use under phosphate deficiency in elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum).

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient element for plant growth, and deficiency of inorganic phosphate (Pi) limits plant growth and yield. Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is an important fodder crop cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world. However, the mechanisms underlying efficient P use in elephant grass under Pi deficiency remain poorly understood. In this study, the physiological and molecular responses of elephant grass leaves and roots to Pi deficiency were investigated. The results showed that dry weight, total P concentration, and P content decreased in Pi-deprived plants, but that acid phosphatase activity and P utilization efficiency (PUE) were higher than in Pi-sufficient plants. Regarding Pi starvation-responsive (PSR) genes, transcriptomics showed that 59 unigenes involved in Pi acquisition and transport (especially 18 purple acid phosphatase and 27 phosphate transporter 1 unigenes) and 51 phospholipase unigenes involved in phospholipids degradation or Pi-free lipids biosynthesis, as well as 47 core unigenes involved in the synthesis of phenylpropanoids and flavonoids, were significantly up-regulated by Pi deprivation in leaves or roots. Furthermore, 43 unigenes related to Pi-independent- or inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi)-dependent bypass reactions were markedly up-regulated in Pi-deficient leaves, especially five UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase and 15 phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase unigenes. Consistent with PSR unigene expression changes, metabolomics revealed that Pi deficiency significantly increased metabolites of Pi-free lipids, phenylpropanoids, and flavonoids in leaves and roots, but decreased phospholipid metabolites. This study reveals the mechanisms underlying the responses to Pi starvation in elephant grass leaves and roots, which provides candidate unigenes involved in efficient P use and theoretical references for the development of P-efficient elephant grass varieties.

Effect of Cultivar, Plant Spacing and Harvesting Age on Yield, Characteristics, Chemical Composition, and Anthocyanin Composition of Purple Napier Grass.

Purple Napier grass is a semi-dwarf, purple-leaved Napier grass. The purple color is anthocyanins. Anthocyanin is classified as a group of flavonoids. It has antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of plant spacing and harvesting age on the forage yield, morphological characteristics, chemical composition, and anthocyanin composition of purple Napier grass. An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of plant spacing and harvesting age on the forage yield, morphological characteristics, chemical composition, and anthocyanin composition of purple Napier grass when grown on a sandy soil. The cultivars were Napier Pakchong 1 (Pennisetum purpureum × Pennisetum americanum cv. Pakchong 1) and purple Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum “Prince”), with plant spacings of 50 × 50, 50 × 75, and 75 × 75 cm, and the harvesting ages were 45, 60, and 75 days. The experiment was a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial layout in a randomized complete block design with four replications, for a total of 72 plots, each 5 × 5 m. The purple Napier grass had a higher number of tillers per plant than the Napier Pakchong 1 grass. The LSR value (leaf/stem ratio) was influenced by the interaction of cultivar × plant spacing × harvesting age. The purple Napier grass planted at 75 × 75 cm for 45 days had the highest LSR value. The crude protein of the purple Napier grass, the grass planted at 75 × 75 cm, and the grass for 45 days were significantly higher than the other treatments. The purple Napier grass planted at 75 × 75 cm for 45 days had the highest (p < 0.05) anthocyanin content. It was concluded that purple Napier grass planted at 75 × 75 cm for 45 days would contain the proper number of tillers per plant, LSR value, chemical composition for ruminants, and the highest anthocyanin composition.

PENGARUH PUPUK CAIR MIKROORGANISME LOKAL (MOL) TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI RUMPUT Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott (The effect of local microorganism liquid fertilizer on the growth and production of Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott)

This study aims to determine the effect of local microorganism liquid fertilizer on the growth and production of mini elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott). The study used an experimental method with a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and 3 replications, the number of experimental units was 12. Treatment MO = No liquid fertilizer (control), M1: 100 ml MOL liquid fertilizer/polybag, M2: 200 ml MOL liquid fertilizer/polybag, M3: 300 ml MOL liquid fertilizer/polybag. The variables studied were the growth and production of mini elephant grass. The results of variance (ANOVA) showed that the treatment had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on plant height and fresh matter production, but had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on plant height, leaf area, stem circumference, dry matter. production. and production of mini elephant grass organic matter. Conclude that the application of local microorganism liquid fertilizer (MOL) with a concentration of 200 ml/polybag gave good results on the growth and production of Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott grass.