Pennisetum Purpureum Research Articles

Adaptation of Napier grass varieties in the highlands of East Gojjam

The experiment was conducted in the East Gojjam Zone of the Amhara Regional State to evaluate the varieties of released Napier grass in the study area. The four varieties of Napier grass considered for this research experiment were Maralfalafa, ILRI- 16743, ILRI-14984 and Zehone-03 (Acc. 16819). The varieties were planted in 4 m x 3 m plots using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the beginning of the main rainy season. Root splits at the Debremarkos onstation and Debere Eliyas sites were planted in four rows per plot. The analysis was conducted using R software. Least significance difference (LSD) at the 5% significance level was used for the comparison of means. The combined plant height, number of tillers per plant, total fresh biomass yield per hectare (t/ha), and total dry matter yield (t/ha) did not significantly differ between the varieties. The leaf-to-stem ratios of the Napier grass varieties were significantly different. In the present study, ILRI-14984 was found to be leafier than the other tested varieties. The combined analysis of the second- and third-year data revealed significant differences in plant height, number of tillers and leaf-to-stem ratio among the tested years. The greatest plant height (152.42 cm) at harvest was found in the second year after establishment, which was 2022, whereas the number of tillers per plant was greater in the 2023 harvest season. The testing location did not affect plant height, total fresh biomass yield per hectare, or total dry matter yield per hectare. The number of tillers per plant and the leaf-to-stem ratio significantly differed among the tested locations. A greater number of tillers per plant was recorded at the Debre Eliyas testing site. Similarly, the leaf-to-stem ratio was significantly greater at the same testing site.

Response of Goat Fed with Indigofera sp. and Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott

This study evaluated the response of goat fed with Indigofera Sp. and Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott. We randomly assigned fifteen goats with an initial body weight of ±20 kg into three treatments and five replications using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatments were T0= 0% Indigofera sp. + 100% Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott T1 = 20% Indigofera sp. + 80% Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott, T2= 40% Indigofera sp. + 60% Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott. Data analysis was done with analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and Duncan multiple range test. We assessed daily weight gain, dry matter intake, digestibility of dry matter, and feed efficiency as study outcomes. Feeding of Indigofera sp. and Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott in different doses significantly affected (p<0.05) dry matter digestibility, dry matter intake, daily weight gain and feed efficiency. In all variables, T2 significantly affected (p<0.05) all study outcomes compared to T1 and T0. Mean dry matter digestibility ranged from 41.5 to 65.0%. Mean dry matter intake ranged from 260.2 to 466.6 g/head/day. Mean daily weight gain ranged from 22.30 to 72.4 g/head/day. Mean feed efficiency in this study ranged from 22.30 to 72.4 g/head/day. We found an optimal response of goat after feeding with 60% Pennisteum purpureum cv. Mott + 40% Indigofera sp.

Biochar na fertilidade do solo, morfometria e produção de cultivares de capim elefante

ABSTRACT Among the various forage species used in ruminant feeding, elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) is notable as it is a perennial plant and has a high potential for dry matter production. The present study evaluated the performance of elephant grass cultivars and soil chemical characteristics under different biochar addition levels and at different evaluation times under irrigation in the dry season. The treatments were arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design (CBD) and analyzed in a split-plot design according to cultivar (BRS Capiaçu and BRS Kurumi) x biochar dose (0, 8, 16 and 24 t ha-1); the subplots consisted of four evaluation times (71, 225, 335 and 447 days after application of biochar), with four replicates. The soil chemical characteristics were evaluated without inclusion of the time factor according to a CBD in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme, with 4 replications. The attributes analyzed were soil fertility, morphometry and elephant grass yield. The performance of the cultivars improved at 225 days (2nd evaluation) and 335 days (3rd evaluation) after biochar application. The biochar doses did not significantly increase morphometric attributes, cultivar productivity or soil fertility. The application of biochar did not improve the yield attributes or crude protein of elephant grass cultivars under the conditions of this study.

Effect of micro irrigation and crop establishment methods on growth, physiological parameters, quality, and production of bajra napier hybrid grass CO (BN) 5 (Pennisetum glaucum L. × Pennisetum purpureum schumach)

Effect of micro irrigation and crop establishment methods on growth, physiological parameters, quality, and production of bajra napier hybrid grass CO (BN) 5 (Pennisetum glaucum L. × Pennisetum purpureum schumach)

Agronomic Characteristics of Red Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Red) under Different Level of Nitrogen Fertilization and Harvest Ages

This experiment aimed to find out the morphological characteristics and biomass DM production of Red Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Red) under different levels of nitrogen fertilization and harvest ages. The grass stem cuttings were planted on polybags. A Completely Randomized Factorial Design (CRFD) was employed comprising 2 treatment factors. The first factor was harvest age of K1: 50 days of age K2: 60 days of age and K3: 70 days of age and the second factor was level of N fertilization comprised P1: no fertilization, P2: 100 kg N /ha/year, P3: 200 kg N/ha/year, P4: 300 kg N/ha/year. The treatments were applied after the grasses were trimmed at 90 days after planting. The variables measured include plant height, number of tillers, leaves-to-stem ratio, and biomass production. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and least significant difference test. It was found that interaction of treatments significantly (P<0.01) affects plant height and biomass DM production. Treatments of age of harvest and level of N fertilization, respectively significantly (P<0.01) affect either number of tillers or leaves-to-stem ratio. It was concluded that K3 and P3 gave the highest value for all variables measured.

Effect of molasses on nutritive value and in-vitro digestibility of elephant grass silage

Abstract Ensiling preserving a forage crop and its nutrients to feed later on as silage. In this study, elephant grass was ensiled with varying levels of molasses as an additive to evaluate its effect on the nutritive value and in-vitro digestibility of the silage. Four treatments of Pennisetum purpureum grass silage were produced with the inclusion of molasses at 0 (T1), 2.5 (T2), 5 (T3), and 7.5 % (T4) inclusion levels. Elephant grass ensiled with higher levels of molasses inclusions (T3, and T4) had significantly higher (p < 0.05) dry matter, crude protein, nitrogen-free extract, and lactic acid than T1 and T2 silages. However, T1 and T2 silages had significantly higher (p < 0.05) crude fibre and ash contents. Furthermore, silage without molasses inclusion (T1) had significantly higher (p < 0.05) in most of the fibre fractions compared to other silages in this study. At 6 and 15 hours, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the means of in-vitro gas production. However, gas production was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in silages with the inclusion of additives (T4, T3, and T2) at 9, 12, 18, 21, and 24 hours of incubation. Conspicuously, silages containing graded levels of molasses as an additive had significantly higher (p < 0.05) digestibility and organic matter digestibility than the silage without molasses. The methane gas and metabolisable contents were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in T3 and T4 silages than T1 and T2 silages. However, T3 had significantly the highest (p < 0.05) gas volume followed by T2, T4, and T1 silages. It can be concluded that our H1 hypothesis was confirmed and the inclusion of molasses as an additive in elephant grass silage resulted in improved dry matter, crude protein, lactic acid contents, reduced fibre fractions, and superior in-vitro digestibility values as well as relatively better gas production by the silage.

Gamma Radiation Effects on Dwarf Napier Grass Quality in Acidic Soil: A Study of Minerals and Rumen Fluids

Gamma Radiation Effects on Dwarf Napier Grass Quality in Acidic Soil: A Study of Minerals and Rumen Fluids

Adaptation and Performance Evaluation of Released Napier Grass Varieties under Rain Fed Condition, in Gambella Region, Ethiopia

Five Napier grass varieties were evaluated for agronomic performance and yield at Abobo agricultural research center under rain fed condition in Gambella. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on agronomic parameters such as plant height, survival rate, leaf to stem ratio, node number per plant, internodes length per plant, tillering performance and dry matter yield were analyzed using general linear model(GLM) procedure of SAS, least significant difference (LSD) at 5% was used for mean separation. Combined analysis indicated that tested varieties varied significantly (p<0.05) for survival rate, plant height, leaf to stem ratio, tillering performance, internodes length per plant and dry matter yield. The highest plant survival rate (86.33%) was recorded for Check followed by varieties 16819(73.60%), 16984(71.92%), and 16791(67.83%) respectively. On the other hand, variety 15743(66.67%) showed the lowest plant survival rate. The mean plant height ranges from 2.09m to 2.49m with an overall mean plant height of 2.31m. The tallest mean plant height (2.49m) was recorded in 15743 while shortest mean plan height (2.09m) was recorded in check. The mean leaf to stem ratio range from 1.71 to 1.28 with the overall mean of 1.52, and The higher leaf to stem ratio value (1.71) were recorded from check, followed by 16984(1.67), 15743(1.59), 16819(1.35) while the lowest value were recorded in 16791(1.28). In a combined analysis the mean dry matter yield range from 20.02 t/ha to 14.05 t/ha with the overall mean of 16.24 t/ha. The higher dry matter yield value (20.02 t/ha) were recorded from 16819, followed by 16791(16.77t/ha) and check (16.12t/ha) respectively. The lowest mean dry matter yield were recorded in 16984(14.05 t/ha) and 15743(14.26t/ha). Generally, Napier grass varieties tested has shown variation for agronomic performance and yield under rain fed condition in Gambella

Enhancing enzyme digestibility of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus and O. mossambicus) and improving water quality in fish farming using Napier grass silage

Enhancing enzyme digestibility of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus and O. mossambicus) and improving water quality in fish farming using Napier grass silage

Adequacy of micromineral content (Fe, Zn, Cu) of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) as beef cattle feed in Merapi volcanic slopes of Magelang Regency, Indonesia

A study was conducted to assess the micromineral content of Pennisetum purpureum, commonly known as Napier grass, in the Magelang Regency of Central Java, Indonesia. Three different topographical areas, namely flat, undulated, and sloping, were considered for the study. Samples of Napier grass were collected from each area, with a total of 20 samples taken from each area. The samples were then subjected to various processing techniques, including fresh weight measurement, chopping, sun-drying, oven-drying, and milling. The mineral content of the samples was determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results revealed that the mineral content of Zn and Cu in Napier grass varied significantly across the three topographical areas (p<0.05), with average values of 40.34 and 11.56 ppm, 33.44 and 10.75 ppm, and 40.38 and 13.43 ppm for flat, undulated, and sloping areas, respectively. The Fe content, on the other hand, was found to be not significantly different across the areas, with an average of 377.90 ppm. These findings suggest that the use of Napier grass as a basal feed for beef cattle, with a dry matter requirement of 7.56 kg day-1 and a proportion of Napier grass of 7.13 kg DM day-1, would provide sufficient micro minerals, including Fe, Cu, and Zn, for the cattle in the three topographical areas.
 Key words: mineral, napier grass, topography

Assessment of Nutritional Potential and Methane Mitigation Efficacy of Napier Grass Cultivars

Napier grass is cultivated as a high-yielding forage crop and widely utilized in the nutrition of grazing animals such as cattle and goats due to its rapid growth rate, expansive leaf surface, and ability to thrive even in low-quality soils, making it a valuable animal feed option. In this study, the chemical compositions, in vitro gas (GP) and methane (CH4) production, metabolizable energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMD), true digestible dry matter (TDDM), microbial protein (MP), partitioning factor (PF), microbial protein synthesis efficiency (MPSE, and relative feed values (RFV) of the grasses Packhong1 (Penisetum purpureum x Penisetum americanum), Chinese Pennisetum (Penisetum purpureum x Penisetum alopecurides), and Dwarf Elephant (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott) were investigated. Significant differences were found in the chemical contents of napier varieties used in the study (p

Removal of dyes using chemically modified elephant grass in single and binary-component system

The present study investigated the potential use of citric acid-treated Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), as an adsorbent for the removal of various dyes (Congo red, Erichrome black T, methyl red, and thymol blue) from aqueous solutions. The effects of initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, and temperature on the adsorption capacity of the dyes were evaluated. The results showed that Pennisetum purpureum had a high adsorption capacity for all dyes, with maximum adsorption efficiencies ranging from 74% to 98.92%, depending on the dye type and experimental conditions. The highest adsorption efficiency was recorded at 10 mg/L initial concentration for most of the dyes. The optimum adsorbent dosage was found to be 0.3 g for all dyes, except for Erichrome black T, which showed maximum adsorption capacity at 0.2 g. The maximum adsorption capacity for all dyes was observed at a temperature of 60°C, except for methyl red and thymol blue, which showed maximum adsorption at temperatures lower than 60°C. Overall, the results indicate that citric acid-treated Pennisetum purpureum has great potential as an effective and sustainable adsorbent for the removal of various dyes from wastewater.

Participatory Demonstration of Pennisetum pedicelluatum and Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Strip as Biological Soil and Water Conservation Measures for Erosion Control

On three beneficiary farmer fields, prescaling up and participatory demonstration of biological soil conservation techniques using Desho (Pennisetum pedicelluatum) and Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) were carried out in 2019/2020 in comparison with control (no grass) activities. Assessing the role of biological conservation techniques in reducing soil erosion and farmers' opinions of these techniques was the primary goal. A total of 132 m2 demonstration plots were used to collect and analyze the experimental data. Elephant grasses (134 tons/ha) and desho (61.1 tons/ha) differed significantly (P < 0.05) in the second year. Elephant grass provided an average soil loss of 6.6 tons/ha/yr-1, desho grass produced an average of 10.9 tons/ha/yr-1, and control provided an average of 13.4 tons/ha/yr.The elephant grass plots showed the least amount of nutrient loss, while the control plots showed the greatest amount.When compared to Desho grass, elephant grass has a higher potential to control soil loss due to its robust root system and to rebound quickly, even in the event of a severe drought.Furthermore, because elephant grass grows quickly and has the largest freshweight biomass of any grass, farmers gave it more consideration in their assessments of grass strips than they did Desho grass.In order to improve acceptability and spread of the technology in dry land areas with a 5% slope for managing soil and nutrient losses, it is best to scale up elephant grass on a bigger scale. The highest nutrient loss was observed on the control plots and the least on the elephant grass plots. Based on the study results, elephant grass has a high potential to control soil loss through a strong root system and recovery immediately, even under severe drought conditions, compared with Desho grass. Additionally, farmers' evaluations of grass strips showed a higher attention to elephant grass than Desho grass due to the fast-growing nature of the grass and their highest fresh-weight biomass. Finally, it is better to scale up elephant grass on a larger scale to enhance acceptance and diffusion of the technology in dry land areas on a slope of 5% for controlling soil and nutrient losses.
 Keywords: Biological soil and water conservation, Desho grass, soil and nutrient loss

Production of furfural and levulinic acid from purple Cameroon grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Morado) by a two-stage process

The purple Cameroon grass crop (P. purpureum cv. Morado) presents significant potential as a source of raw materials and renewable energy; it has rapid growth, high yield, and low fertilizer demand. During the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass, hemicellulose and cellulose can first be hydrolyzed into five and six-carbon sugars, and then the sugars are converted into furfural and levulinic acid (LA) respectively. In this work, the furfural and levunilic acid production was evaluated in a two-stage catalytic process with a tin catalyst supported on a sulfonated activated carbon. In the first stage, a furfural yield of 23.28% at 170 °C for 3 h. In the second stage, the effect of process temperature and time on LA production's yield and energy demand was evaluated; LA yield of 28.17% was obtained with an energy demand of 0.12 kWh/gLA at 180.47 °C for 1.78 h. These results demonstrate the possibility of obtaining furfural from Cameroon grass.Graphical

Pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of the thermal degradation of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum): a comparative analysis using the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose methods

Pyrolysis characteristics and kinetics of the thermal degradation of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum): a comparative analysis using the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose methods

A Narrative Review on Effects of Napier Grass Oxalate Accumulation on Ruminant Animals

Abstract:: Napier grass is a popular ruminant feed due to its nutritional value and ease of propagation. Besides these promising characteristics, Napier grass poisoning has been reported in livestock, and oxalate has been identified as a primary toxin. Oxalate is an antinutrient content that prevents absorption of minerals from plants while grazing by animals. Less than 2.0% of ruminants' soluble oxalate of dry matter (DM) consumption is safe, while 0.5% is safe for non-ruminants. Oxalate buildup varies with nitrogen sources and dosages. This review discusses the impacts of external and internal elements, including fodder species/variety, fodder portions, seasonal change, nitrogen fertilization, clipping interval, and oxalate concentration on grazing animals and management measures to reduce fodder oxalate. However, further research is needed to understand how oxalate in different species interacts with grazing animals. For developing oxalate-free fodder genotypes, molecular techniques, including identification of CRISPR/Cas9, QTLs, and functional genomics, may be helpful. Genomic methods to improve Napier grass employing precision phenotyping, genotyping, and molecular technology have also been discussed in this article. We have discussed the metabolic pathway, digestion in ruminant animals, factors affecting oxalate content, genetic and molecular diversity, oxalate impact and poisoning, disease to Napier grass and future prospects. This may be helpful for the researchers working on ruminant animals for their feeds and fodder.

Purple Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) Hot Water Extracts Ameliorate High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Metabolic Disorders in Mice.

Purple Pennisetum (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach), a hybrid between Taihucao No. 2 and the local wild species of purple Pennisetum, has dark red stems and leaves due to its anthocyanin content. This study explores the potential of purple napiergrass extracts (PNE) in alleviating obesity and metabolic disorders induced by a high-fat diet in mice, where 50% of the caloric content is derived from fat. Mice were orally administered low-dose or high-dose PNE alongside a high-fat diet. Experimental findings indicate that PNE attenuated weight gain, reduced liver, and adipose tissue weight, and lowered blood cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and blood sugar levels. Stained sections showed that PNE inhibited lipid accumulation and fat hypertrophy in the liver. Immunoblotting analysis suggested that PNE improved the inflammatory response associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia induced by a high-fat diet. Furthermore, PNE potentially functions as a PPAR-γ agonist, increasing the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) concentration and suppressing inflammatory factors, while elevating the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the liver. PNE-treated mice showed enhanced activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways and increased fatty acid oxidation and liver lipolysis. In conclusion, this study elucidated the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory, PI3K/Akt, and AMPK pathways in a high-fat diet-induced obesity model. These findings highlight the potential of PNE in reducing weight, inhibiting inflammation, and improving blood sugar and lipid levels, showing the potential for addressing obesity-related metabolic disorders in humans.

Microbial network and fermentation modulation of Napier grass and sugarcane top silage in southern Africa.

Feed shortage in the tropics is a major constraint to the production of livestock products such as milk and meat. In order to effectively utilize of local feed resources, the selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strain was used to prepare Napier grass and sugarcane top silage. The results showed that the two silages inoculated with LAB formed a co-occurrence microbial network dominated by Lactiplantibacillus during the fermentation process, regulated the microbial community structure and metabolic pathways, and improved the silage fermentation quality. This is of great significance for alleviating feed shortage and promoting sustainable production of livestock.

Nutritional Evaluation of Hydroponic Corn Fodder and its Effect as Substitute for Feed Concentrates for Buffalo Calves

This study investigated the effects of hydroponic corn fodder on the growth performance of buffalo calves. Twelve Bulgarian Murrah buffalo calves were divided into two treatment groups: T1, fed with Napier grass and starter feed concentrates, and T2, fed with Napier grass, starter feed concentrates, and hydroponic corn fodder, replacing 50% of the starter feed concentrate. The study found no significant differences between the two groups' average total weight gain and average daily gain. However, the average daily feed intake was significantly higher in T2, possibly due to the tender and young nature of the hydroponic corn fodder. Dry matter and crude protein intake did not show any significant differences between the two groups. The digestibility of nutrients showed a significant difference in dry matter digestibility between T1 and T2. Feed cost per d was significantly lower in T1, but the cost of feed per kg gain was lower in T2. This study suggested that supplementing buffalo calves' diets with hydroponic corn fodder could have a beneficial effect on their growth performance and economic viability. It recommends further research on the use of other grains as fodder for ruminants. Overall, this study highlighted the potential of hydroponic corn production as a sustainable source of fodder for ruminants.

Root-associated microbial community and diversity in napiergrass across radiocesium-contaminated lands after the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan

The microbiome derived from soil associated with plant roots help in plant growth and stress resistance. It exhibits potential benefits for soil remediation and restoration of radioactive-cesium (137Cs)-contaminated soils. However, there is still limited information about the community and diversity of root-associated microbiome in 137Cs-contaminated soil after the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) disaster. To address this, a comparative analysis of communities and diversity of root-associated microbiomes was conducted in two field types after the FDNPP disaster. In 2013, we investigated the community and diversity of indigenous root-associated microbiome of napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum) grown in both grassland and paddy fields of 137Cs-contaminated land-use type within a 30-km radius around the FDNPP. Results showed that the root-associated bacterial communities in napiergrass belonged to 32 phyla, 75 classes, 174 orders, 284 families, and 521 genera, whereas the root-associated fungal communities belonged to 5 phyla, 11 classes, 31 orders, 59 families, and 64 genera. The most frequently observed phylum in both grassland and paddy field was Proteobacteria (47.4% and 55.9%, respectively), followed by Actinobacteriota (23.8% and 27.9%, respectively) and Bacteroidota (10.1% and 11.3%, respectively). The dominant fungal phylum observed in both grassland and paddy field was Basidiomycota (75.9% and 94.2%, respectively), followed by Ascomycota (24.0% and 5.8%, respectively). Land-use type significantly affected the bacterial and fungal communities that colonize the roots of napiergrass. Several 137Cs-tolerant bacterial and fungal taxa were also identified, which may be potentially applied for the phytoremediation of 137Cs-contaminated areas around FDNPP. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of microbial communities in 137Cs-contaminated lands and their long-term ecosystem benefits for phytoremediation efforts.