Primary production variables of brachiaria grass cultivars in Kenya drylands

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dc.contributor.author Musimba, Nashon K. R.
dc.contributor.author Nguku, Susan A.
dc.contributor.author Njarui, Donald N.
dc.contributor.author Amwata, Dorothy A.
dc.contributor.author Kaindi, Eric M.
dc.date.accessioned 2016-06-14T11:58:26Z
dc.date.available 2016-06-14T11:58:26Z
dc.date.issued 2016
dc.identifier.citation Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems 19 (2016): 29 - 39 en_US
dc.identifier.issn 1870-0462
dc.identifier.uri http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/ojs/index.php/TSA/article/view/2167/1002
dc.identifier.uri http://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/2583
dc.description.abstract The study was conducted to evaluate the primary production variables of Brachiaria grass cultivars in semi arid regions of Eastern Kenya. Brachiaria cultivars B. decumbens cv. Basilisk, Brachiaria hybrid Mulato II, four Brachiaria brizantha cultivars Marandu, Xaraes, Piata, MG4 and Brachiaria humidicola cv Llanero were assessed with reference to their field establishment and growth rates. Chloris gayana cv. KATR3 and P. pupureum cv. Kakamega I were included as controls. Plant numbers, heights, spread, plant tiller number and plant cover were monitored for the initial 16 weeks following seedling emergence. A standardization cut was done on all the plots at week 16 and dry matter yields determined. All growth parameters measured varied significantly (p<0.05) among the cultivars. Chloris gayana cv. KATR3 recorded the highest plant numbers (48plants/m2). Llanero recorded highest plant spread (146.9 cm) and tiller number (31tillers/plant). Napier had the highest plant height (103.8cm), cover (94.9%) and average dry matter yields (5430kg /ha). The results demonstrate that Brachiaria grasses are capable of establishing themselves in the semi arid regions of Eastern Kenya. It is recommended that the experiment be conducted for a longer period of time to determine their growth capacity during dry spells and pests and diseases that can hinder establishment and production.The results demonstrate that Brachiaria grasses are capable of establishing themselves in the semi arid regions of Eastern Kenya. It is recommended that the experiment be conducted for a longer period of time to determine their growth capacity during dry spells and pests and diseases that can hinder establishment and production en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan en_US
dc.subject Brachiaria en_US
dc.subject grass en_US
dc.subject Livestock production en_US
dc.subject Climate change en_US
dc.subject Forages en_US
dc.subject Establishment en_US
dc.title Primary production variables of brachiaria grass cultivars in Kenya drylands en_US
dc.type Article en_US


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