Growth characteristics, biomass yield and mineral concentrations in seven varieties of Napier grass (<i>Cenchrus purpureus</i>) at establishment in Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

Growth characteristics, biomass yield and mineral concentrations were evaluated in a completely randomized design study of 7 Napier grass varieties. Data on tiller number per plant, plant height, leaf length, leaf width, stem diameter, leaf:stem ratio and dry matter (DM) yield, as well as concentrations of nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese and iron, were obtained at 2 months growth. The growth characteristics, DM yields and mineral concentrations (except phosphorus) varied significantly (P<0.01) among varieties. The variety Indian was tallest (221 cm) and produced the highest DM yield (6.3 t/ha), whereas Dwarf had the highest tiller number and leaf:stem ratio. Purple had the longest and Taiwan and Indian the widest leaves. Kobe, Pakchong and Purple had the greatest stem diameter. Concentrations of Ca, K and Na were greatest in Zanzibar, while Dwarf had the highest concentrations of N, Zn, Mn and Fe. Studies beyond the establishment phase over a range of seasons and in a range of environments at different ages of harvest are needed to confirm the merits of different Napier grass varieties in the study zone.