Chloris Gayana Research Articles

Phytochemical, cytotoxic, antileishmania and antimicrobial potentials of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth)

The present study aimed to analyze the cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of the plant Chloris gayana Kunth (Poaceae) proceeding from the ethanol extract, taking into consideration its major secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, triterpenes, steroids, flavonoids, and tannins. The ethanol extract showed no antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida krusei. However, the ethanol extract was able to potentiate the activity of amikacin against a strain of S. aureus MRSA (methicillin resistant S. aureus), suggesting a possible application of the extract itself or its isolated phytochemicals, as adjuvants of amikacin in the treatment of infections caused by MRSA strains resistant to this antibiotic. Potential antileishmanial activity was observed, but further research on the isolated action of these metabolites is needed.

Keragaman Tumbuhan Invasif di Kawasan Universitas Tadulako, Sulawesi Tengah


 
 
 
 Plant invasive species be attention in the world cause quite dangerous for the environment and of sorts of crops cannot compete with plants invasive. The aim of this study is to inventory invasive plants at Tadulako University. The Methods use exploration techniques to explore every area in the research sites. The results are 52 species into 23 families. Poaceae most found in every site with 9 species such as Cenchrus brownii, Chloris barbata, Chloris gayana, Dactylotenium aegyptum, Digitaria bicornis, Digitaria longiflora, Eleusene indica, Eragrotis tenela, Melenis repens. Invasive plant in Tadulako University still not be harmful for environment.
 
 
 
 

Effects of Supplementation with Cajanus Cajan, Lablab Purpureus and Cowpea on Feed Intake, Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Male Black Head Sheep Fed a Basal Diet of Rhodes Grass

Effects of Supplementation with Cajanus Cajan, Lablab Purpureus and Cowpea on Feed Intake, Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Male Black Head Sheep Fed a Basal Diet of Rhodes Grass

Mineral Solubilizing Rhizobacterial Strains Mediated Biostimulation of Rhodes Grass Seedlings.

Minerals play a dynamic role in plant growth and development. However, most of these mineral nutrients are unavailable to plants due to their presence in fixed forms, which causes significant losses in crop production. An effective strategy to overcome this challenge is using mineral solubilizing bacteria, which can convert insoluble forms of minerals into soluble ones that plants can quickly assimilate, thus enhancing their availability in nutrient-depleted soils. The main objective of the present study was to isolate and characterize mineral solubilizing rhizobacteria and to assess their plant growth-promoting potential for Rhodes grass. Twenty-five rhizobacterial strains were isolated on a nutrient agar medium. They were characterized for solubilization of insoluble minerals (phosphate, potassium, zinc, and manganese), indole acetic acid production, enzymatic activities, and various morphological traits. The selected strains were also evaluated for their potential to promote the growth of Rhodes grass seedlings. Among tested strains, eight strains demonstrated strong qualitative and quantitative solubilization of insoluble phosphate. Strain MS2 reported the highest phosphate solubilization index, phosphate solubilization efficiency, available phosphorus concentration, and reduction in medium pH. Among tested strains, 75% were positive for zinc and manganese solubilization, and 37.5% were positive for potassium solubilization. Strain MS2 demonstrated the highest quantitative manganese solubilization, while strains MS7 and SM4 reported the highest solubilization of zinc and potassium through acidifying their respective media. The strain SM4 demonstrated the most increased IAA production in the presence and absence of L-tryptophan. The majority of strains were positive for various enzymes, including urease, catalase protease, and amylase activities. However, these strains were negative for coagulase activity except strains SM7 and MS7. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, six strains, namely, SM2, SM4, SM5, MS1, MS2, and MS4, were identified as Bacillus cereus, while strains SM7 and MS7 were identified as Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. These strains significantly improved growth attributes of Rhodes grass, such as root length, shoot length, and root and shoot fresh and dry biomasses compared to the uninoculated control group. The present study highlights the significance of mineral solubilizing and enzyme-producing rhizobacterial strains as potential bioinoculants to enhance Rhodes grass growth under mineral-deficient conditions sustainably.

The effects of the different sowing methods and planting density on the yield components of soybean (Glycine max) under intercropping condition with rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth.)

In Japan, grass-legume intercropping systems are being developed to increase quality and yield of grain and forage. Hence, this study evaluated the effects of sowing methods and planting density on yield traits of forage soybean under intercropping condition with rhodes grass. The field experiment was laid on in a completely randomized block design with four treatments and four replications. Rhodes grass seeds were sown at 2.8 kg/10a in a field containing mono- and intercropping-plots. For soybeans, two levels of sowing densities (about 15 or 30 seeds/m2: named “L” and “H”) and two sowing methods (row or spray: named “R” and “S”) were applied for a total of four different intercropping combinations. Rhodes grass DMY obtained the highest in low level of sowing density with rowing methods (LR) (338 kg/10a) while soybean DMY obtained the highest in high level of sowing density with rowing methods (HR) (251 kg/10a) and in high level of sowing density with spray methods (HS) (177 kg/10a). Intercropping at low density increased CP (12%) and CPY (40.4 kg DM/10a) in Rhodes grass, and CP (18.9%) in soybeans, whereas high sowing density increased soybean CPY in HR (41.5 kg DM/10a) and contributed to higher soybean CPY in DM percentage at 66% (HS) and 56% (HR). Overall, high density sowing increased the 1st total DMY while row sowing increased the 1st total CPY in both crops at the first cutting, while monocropping increased Rhodes grass yield and plant length at the second-cutting. Also, sowing soybean by a broadcast spreader could obtain sufficient crude protein yield as a forage soybean in southern Kyushu, Japan. Further studies are needed for soybean overseeding method and use of early-maturity soybean lines

Seedling emergence of tropical perennial pasture species in response to temperature used to determine sowing time recommendations

Tropical pasture grasses and legumes can be highly productive and persistent and fill the summer-autumn feed gap typical of temperate pasture systems in southern Australia. However, more information is needed on optimum temperature range for seedling emergence because this will influence sowing time recommendations. A replicated field experiment was conducted at 5 locations in New South Wales over a 12-month period to determine the optimum temperature for emergence of a range of tropical species: Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth), Makarikari grass (Panicum coloratum L. var. makarikariense Gooss.), kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus (Hochst. ex Chiov.) Morrone), digit grass (Digitaria eriantha Steud.), panic grass (Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs), paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.), Urochloa hybrid (Urochloa decumbens × U. ruziziensis × U. brizantha), 2 cultivars of Desmanthus virgatus (L.) Willd. (cultivars ‘Marc’ and ‘JCU2’), D. bicornutus (S. Watson), D. leptophyllus (Kunth) and D. pernambucanus (L.) Thell.). Rhodes grass emerged satisfactorily over the longest time across all sites, exhibiting the greatest temperature range over which emergence occurred, while Makarikari grass and panic grass had the narrowest temperature range for emergence. The temperature for 50% emergence differed between the tropical species and whether the soils were warming or cooling. Rhodes grass had the lowest 50% emergence temperature (17 °C) while paspalum had the highest (22 °C). Results showed that temperature for 50% emergence is a useful indicator for determining sowing time in warming soils.

Nitrogen fertilization effects on forage production and nutritive value of 4 tropical grasses on alkaline soils in Argentina

This study evaluated effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization and gypsum application and their interactions on total pasture forage production and nutritive values of Chloris gayana cultivars ‘Santana’ and ‘Finecut’ and Panicum coloratum cultivars ‘Klein’ and ‘Bambatsi’ growing in a moderately sodic soil (Typic Natracualf) in northcentral Santa Fe Province of Argentina over 3 years. Sown pasture forage production differed among cultivars. C. gayana cultivar ‘Finecut’ produced more forage biomass than the other 3 cultivars. P. coloratum cultivars were superior to C. gayana cultivars for nutritive value, showing lower NDF and ADF. N fertilization strongly increased forage production, total biomass and sown pasture biomass with improved crude protein content and improvement in plant N status. Addition of gypsum did not affect forage production and nutritive value. This research showed the feasibility to improve production and nutritive value of tropical pastures in subtropical areas by species/cultivar selection and N fertilization.

Development of genomic resources for Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana), draft genome and annotated variant discovery.

Genomic resources for grasses, especially warm-season grasses are limited despite their commercial and environmental importance. Here, we report the first annotated draft whole genome sequence for diploid Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana), a tropical C4 species. Generated using long read nanopore sequencing and assembled using the Flye software package, the assembled genome is 603 Mbp in size and comprises 5,233 fragments that were annotated using the GenSas pipeline. The annotated genome has 46,087 predicted genes corresponding to 92.0% of the expected genomic content present via BUSCO analysis. Gene ontology terms and repetitive elements are identified and discussed. An additional 94 individual plant genotypes originating from three diploid and two tetraploid Rhodes grass cultivars were short-read whole genome resequenced (WGR) to generate a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) resource for the species that can be used to elucidate inter- and intra-cultivar relationships across both ploidy levels. A total of 75,777 high quality SNPs were used to generate a phylogenetic tree, highlighting the diversity present within the cultivars which agreed with the known breeding history. Differentiation was observed between diploid and tetraploid cultivars. The WGR data were also used to provide insights into the nature and evolution of the tetraploid status of the species, with results largely agreeing with the published literature that the tetraploids are autotetraploid.

Evaluation of Rhodes Grass (Chloris Gayana) Cultivars for Forage Yield and Yield Components at Highland and Midland of Guji Zone Southern Oromia

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.

Demonstration of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth) varieties at selected highland and midland agro-ecologies of Guji zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Guji zone has different agro-ecologies suitable for livestock production. However, grazing land was shrinking for the production of feed which is the most pre-request for livestock production. As a result, farmers used pasture and crop residues which are insufficient and not available during the dry season. Hence, there was a feed shortage at different agroecologies. Rhodes grass is used as livestock feed, soil, and water conservation but improved Rhodes grass varieties were not intensively produced by farmers and hence feed shortage is affecting the supply of livestock products for household consumption. Improved Rhodes grass is the possible solution for feed shortage due to it is intensively harvested throughout the year and ensures feed availability for livestock. Therefore, a demonstration of Rhodes grass is needed on a farmer’s field. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Rhodes grass on farmers’ plots. Adola Rede (midland agroecology) and Ana Sora (highland agroecology) were selected based on their livestock and Rhodes grass production potential. Masaba and ILRI-7384 Rhodes grass varieties were demonstrated on a 50 m2 plot area. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Accordingly, the Masaba variety was highly performed in plant height (108.6 cm), fresh biomass (4.24t/ha), and survival rate (83.4%) than ILRI-7384 accession at both agroecologies. Except in seed yield at the highland area in all traits, the Masaba variety was well performed than ILRI-7384. The result of one-way ANOVA revealed that across agroecology fresh biomass yield and survival rate of Masaba was a statistically significant difference at 10% and 5% respectively. Farmers liked to produce Rhode grass varieties. Fresh biomass and survival rate was important trait obtained from the Masaba variety in both agro-ecologies. Thus, the Masaba variety was recommended for livestock feed at highland and midland agro-ecologies of the Guji zone.

Feed intake, feeding behavior, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics of goats fed pelleted total mixed rations with varying Rhodes hay levels

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary physical form and Rhodes grass hay inclusion level on growth, feeding behavior, digestibility coefficient, and carcass characteristics in fattening male goats. The experimental factors were dietary physical form (mash and pellet) and the inclusion level of Rhodes grass (150 kg/t and 250 kg/t; RG150 and RG250). Their combination formed four treatments: RG150M (mash, 150 kg Rhodes grass and 850 kg concentrate per tonne), RG250M (mash, 250 kg Rhodes grass and 750 kg concentrate per tonne), RG150P (pellet, 150 kg Rhodes grass and 850 kg concentrate per tonne), and RG250P (pellet, 250 kg Rhodes grass and 750 kg concentrate per tonne). Forty male Beetal goats (20.3 ± 1.9 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly divided into four treatments (10 bucks/treatment). After adaptation for 10 d, the animals were measured for animal performance for 91 d and digestibility coefficients for 7 d and finally slaughtered for the determination of carcass characteristics. Dry matter intake (DMI) was higher (P < 0.05) in RG250P, and average daily gain (ADG) was highest (P < 0.05) in RG250P, followed by RG150P. Goats fed mash-formed diets spent more time (P < 0.05) consuming food than those fed pellet-formed diets. The feeding rate (g/min) was higher (P < 0.05) in pelleted diets than in the mash form, and meal size (g/meal) was higher (P < 0.05) in those goats fed 150 kg/t Rhodes grass-based total mixed ration (TMR). The rumination time was higher (P < 0.05) in the mash and RG250 groups as compared to pelleted and RG150 groups. Laying time (min/d) and laying frequency were higher (P < 0.05) for goats fed TMR in pelleted than mash form. The digestibility of nutrients was higher (P < 0.05) in goats fed mash-formed TMR than those fed pelleted TMR. Nitrogen balance was not (P > 0.05) influenced by the form of the diet or hay inclusion level. The hot carcass weight and chilled carcass weight were higher (P < 0.05) in goats fed pelleted TMR than those fed the mash-formed TMR. It can be concluded that the feeding pelleted total mixed ration increases DMI, ADG, resting period, and hot carcass weight. When Rhodes grass hay is included in the pelleted diet at 250 kg/t, DMI and ADG were highest. The inclusion level of Rhodes grass at 250 kg/t also has higher rumination time, meal frequency, and drinking frequency.

Agronomic Performance, Yield, and Nutritional Value of Grasses Affected by Agroecological Settings in Ethiopia

One of the major limiting factors of livestock production in Ethiopia is the very low quantity and quality of livestock feeds supplied in the country. This calls for seeking forages that complement poor quality feeds in the country. Hence, the target of this article was to compare three types of grass agronomic performance, yield, and chemical composition under three different agroecologies and three harvesting dates (60, 90, and 120 days). The field experiment was carried out in selected three districts in 2017/2018 in the main cropping season. The treatments were laid out in a factorial RCBD (the randomized complete block design) arrangement with three replications. The treatments contained the combinations of three altitudes and three harvesting dates. Agronomic, yield, and chemical composition data were collected from the current study and subjected to analysis of variance procedures with a P &lt; 0.05 significance test. In most agronomical and chemical compositions, the interactions of altitudes and harvesting dates were significant for all tested grasses (Mulato II, Napier, and Rhodes grasses). The highest plant height (PH) and dry matter yield (DMY) by Napier and the number of tillers per plant (NTPP) by Mulato II were recorded. There were significant values ( P &lt; 0.05 ) for DMY and CP for all grasses at the interactions of harvesting dates and altitudes. The significant difference in DMY was observed as the harvesting date advanced, but CP was contrariwise. Of all tested species, the highest crude protein value and the least value of NDF and ADF (best forage quality parameters) were recorded by Mulato II. Thus, the results of this study revealed that Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato II has great potential to fulfil the demands for quality feeds for livestock production, especially at low altitudes. Nevertheless, in areas where, Napier and Rhodes grass are available, they can be alternative forage for Mulato II grass. Generally, for effective utilization of the tested grasses, the comparative feed value for animals must be conducted.

Performance of Perennial Grass Species under Supplemental Irrigation

The study was conducted at Agricultural Research Centre with the objective of identifying the best-performing perennial grass species under supplemental irrigation and advising the promising cultivated fodder grass for smallholder livestock producers. Randomized Complete Block Design of six perennial grass species with three replications was employed. The six perennial grass species used were T1 (Brachiaria mutica_18659), T2 (Cynodon aethiopicus), T3 (Pennisetum sphacelatum), T4 (Brachiaria decumbense), T5 (Chloris gayana cv. Masaba), and T6 (Brachiaria mutica_6964). The result revealed that agronomic performance of cover, vigor, and height was varied (P&lt;0.001) among perennial grass species. Furthermore, effects of cover (P&lt;0.05), vigor (P&lt;0.05) and height (P&lt;0.001), and dry matter contents (P&lt;0.05) of perennial species over years were found. The dry matter yields and contents of P. sphacelatum (22.85 ton ha-1 and 41.7%) followed by C. aethiopicus (12.53 ton ha-1 and 40.6%) of perennial grass species performed better (P&lt;0.001) than others. The highest (P&lt;0.001) dry matter yield (20.3 ton ha-1) was obtained during the second year of harvest than the first (12.65 ton ha-1) and third (11.36 ton ha-1) year harvests. Similarly, the highest (P&lt;0.001) dry matter percent of the perennial grass species was also found during the second year harvest (50.1%) than the first (25.8%) and third (40.0%) year harvests. The lowest dry matter yield was recorded by C. gayana at the first year (8.5 ton ha-1) and third year (8 ton ha-1) harvests. Likewise, B. mutica_18659 provided the lowest dry matter yield (12.9 tons ha-1) during the second harvest period. Hence, smallholder farmers can preferably be advised to use P. sphacelatum and C. aethiopicus perennial grass fodder crops resources under supplemental irrigation.

Adoption of novel climate-smart farming systems for enhanced carbon stock and carbon dioxide equivalent emission reduction in cattle corridor areas of Uganda

Climate change remains the single major threat to the realization of increased livestock production because of its impact on the quantity and quality of feed crops and forages, water availability, animal reproduction, and biodiversity. To minimize the negative impacts of climate change on livestock, an agroforestry project was implemented in the cattle corridor areas of Uganda. Predominant agroforestry tree species and improved grass were planted. At the age of 1.5 years, the aboveground biomass, aboveground carbon stock, and carbon dioxide equivalent emissions sequestrated by each sapling species strand and grass species were determined. From the results, the aboveground biomass (F = 92.21, p = 0.020), aboveground carbon stock (F = 101.01, p = 0.035), and the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions sequestrated (F = 71.02, p = 0.0401) varied significantly among the studied species. Among the agroforestry saplings, Calliandra callothyrus (10.0 ± 0.7 ton/acre) had the highest aboveground biomass, while Markhamia lutea (4.3 ± 0.3 tons/acre) and Albizia chinense (4.1 ± 0.2 tons/acre) had the lowest aboveground biomass. Similarly, the aboveground carbon stock was the highest in Calliandra callothyrus strand (4.70 ± 0.1 tons/acre) and lowest in the Albizia chinense strand (1.94 ± 0.2 tons/acre). At a strand level, Calliandra callothyrus (17 ± 0.4 ton/acre) sequestrated the highest quantities of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, followed by Maesopsis eminii (10 ± 0.2 ton/acre) and Grevillea robusta (9 ± 0.5 ton/acre) species strands. Markhamia lutea (7 ± 0.2 ton/acre) and Albizia Chinense (7 ± 0.1 ton/acre) strands sequestrated the lowest quantities of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. At the age of 1.5 years, the grass species were fully grown but only stored 0.51 ± 0.0 and 0.47 ± 0.0 tons/acre of Aboveground carbon for Chloris gayana and Centrosema pubescens, respectively. The carbon dioxide equivalent emissions sequestrated by the grass: Chloris gayana (1.9 ± 0.0 ton/acre) and Centrosema pubescens (1.7 ± 0.0 ton/acre) were also less than that of the agroforestry saplings. From this study, the agroforestry species with higher wood biomass and fast growth rate are recommended for carbon dioxide emission sequestration.

Entomofauna asociada a pasturas tropicales Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana y Megathyrsus maximus

Introduction. Pastures are the primary source of food in livestock systems and can be a suitable niche for insects with beneficial and harmful functions. Objective. To estimate the entomofauna associated with three species of pastures, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris gayana, and Megathyrsus maximus, in conditions of the Colombian Caribbean. Materials and methods. Ten samplings were carried out in two contrasting periods (August to October 2018 and January to March 2019), three forage species (Cenchrus ciliaris, Megathyrsus maximus, Chloris gayana) within 1000 m2 were used. Arthropods were identified by order and family and typified by functional groups. Diversity and abundance indices by pasture and season were estimated, as well as their correlation with climate. A simple correspondence analysis was performed. Results. A total of 380 insects from 7 orders and 35 families were collected, with the greatest abundance for Hemiptera and Coleoptera. The Shannon’s diversity index was higher for all orders of C. gayana, except for Hemiptera in C. ciliaris. Phytophages were found in a higher percentage (66.84 %), followed by predators (27.11 %). Insect abundance was influenced by the interaction between season and pasture, showing an increase at low temperatures, except for M. maximus. Pastures represented adequate microenvironments to maintain the diversity of insects, the Hemiptera and Coleoptera orders being the most numerous and representative of the functional groups of phytophages and predators, respectively. Conclusion. The entomofauna of C. gayana, C. ciliaris, and M. maximus was similar in insect abundance and diversity, however, insect abundance depended on the influence of the season and pastures.

Diferenças fisiológicas e anatômicas entre gramíneas subtropicais crescidas em solo alcalino-sódico alagado

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of 26 days of waterlogging, compared with field capacity, on different traits of the forage plants 'Finecut' Chloris gayana, 'Klein Verde' Panicum coloratum, and 'Shawnee' Panicum virgatum, grown in alkaline-sodic soil. Shoot and root dry mass, leaf greenness index, electrolyte leakage, and root histology were evaluated. The histological analysis was performed along the mid-portion of adventitious roots with a 2.0 mm diameter. Waterlogging inhibited the growth of P. coloratum, in addition to decreasing the leaf greenness index and causing injuries in the cell membrane of C. gayana and P. coloratum. At field capacity, only C. gayana and P. coloratum had aerenchyma; however, waterlogging induced the development and increased the area of the aerenchyma in P. virgatum and C. gayana, respectively. Waterlogging also thickened the exodermis and endodermis of all three genotypes, inducing a greater number of exodermis cell rows and a thicker internal tangential cell wall of the endodermis in C. gayana and P. virgatum. Although P. coloratum growth is more sensitive to waterlogging, there are radial oxygen loss barriers in the roots of the three evaluated genotypes.

Nutritional evaluation and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of Moringa oleifera, Medicago sativa, Chloris gayana and their combinations at different ratios

Nutritional evaluation and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of Moringa oleifera, Medicago sativa, Chloris gayana and their combinations at different ratios

Biodegradable Polymer Encapsulated Nickel Nanoparticles for Slow Release Urea Promotes Rhode Grass Yield and Nitrogen Recovery

Biodegradable Polymer Encapsulated Nickel Nanoparticles for Slow Release Urea Promotes Rhode Grass Yield and Nitrogen Recovery

Growth of the invasive Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus) under competitive interaction with pasture species and simulated grazing conditions: Implication for management

AbstractNavua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus), a perennial monocot plant native to tropical Africa, is a major weed in pasture and cropping areas in the wet tropical regions of Australia and South Pacific countries. In grazing pasture lands, rapid growth and reproduction of unpalatable Navua sedge leads to displacement of co‐occurring pasture species and depletion of livestock carrying capacity and production. Understanding the interspecific competitive ability of Navua sedge with co‐occurring desirable grasses and in response to varying ecological scenarios (e.g., grazing and plant density) is critical for the management of the weed in pasture situations. In a glasshouse setting, two co‐occurring pasture species—humidicola (Urochloa humidicola) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) were grown with Navua sedge, in pots using a replacement series model. For each Navua sedge weed–pasture species pair, the experimental setup comprised of four ratios in two densities under simulated grazing and nongrazing conditions of the pasture grasses. Navua sedge growth and reproduction was highest when it grew as a monoculture or when co‐occurring pastures were exposed to simulated grazing as this action, reduced the competitiveness of the pasture grasses. Overall and using biomass gained, tiller production and relative yield as indices of growth dynamics, Rhodes grass was more competitive against Navua sedge than humidicola in both grazed and nongrazed conditions especially under high plant density. These results suggest the potential to include competitive pastures in integrated management strategies for Navua sedge, but species selection and grazing practices may influence the effectiveness of this approach.

Climate change and land-use change impacts on future availability of forage grass species for Ethiopian dairy systems

Forage grasses are central feed resources for livestock globally. In Ethiopian dairy systems, they serve as feed sources during both wet and dry seasons, yet escalating climate change could threaten forage supply. Here, we investigate projected climate change impacts on three forage grasses currently recommended for Ethiopian dairy systems. We determine areas of geographical suitability for each species using three climate projections generated by General Circulation Models (GCMs) and calculate their ability to meet predicted dry matter demand under four scenarios for livestock intensification and land availability. By 2050, Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) is likely to be negatively affected by climate change in regions such as Tigray, while Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) and Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus) may have improved suitability under future climates. Our findings suggest that feed demands could theoretically be met by production of these forage grasses under current and future climates. However, if land availability is reduced and herd composition shifts towards higher-productivity exotic breeds, forage resources will not meet cattle demand even with improved agronomic management.