Volume 39, 107-111

Tropical Grasslands (2005) Volume 39, 107–111

Seed yield and quality of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) as influenced by row spacing and fertiliser level

D. KUMAR, G.K. DWIVEDI AND S. N. SINGH

Division of Seed Technology, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, India

Abstract

A field experiment investigated the impact of different row spacings and fertiliser (N and P) levels on seed yield and quality of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) on an infertile soil during 1997 and 1998 at Jhansi, India. The experiment was a factorial design comprising all combinations of 3 row spacings (40, 60 and 75 cm) and 3 levels (kg/ha) of N and P fertiliser (20 N:8.7 P, 40 N:17.5 P and 60 N:26.0 P), arranged in 3 randomised blocks. The results showed that wider row spacing (75 cm) enhanced seed production in this experiment. Number of total tillers/tussock, fertile tillers/tussock and spikelets/spike plus spike length and seed yield were significantly greater under the widest row spacing (75 cm). Seed yield and its attributes increased significantly up to the highest level of fertiliser. In general, seed quality improved significantly with increased row spacing, but fertiliser level had little effect on seed quality.