Description
Cenchrus ciliaris is widely promoted as a choice grass species for reseeding Arid and Semi- arid Lands (ASALs). Due to the high variability in ASAL environments, there is need to evaluate ecotypes of C. ciliaris with potentially higher seed yield and germination that may possibly be selected and promoted for rangeland reseeding initiatives. Nine ecotypes of C. ciliaris collected from selected sites in Kenyan ASALs were evaluated for seed yield and related traits at three KALRO centres (Kiboko, Buchuma and Mtwapa). Buchuma site (208.4 kg ha-1) had higher (p-1, respectively. Seed yield varied among ecotypes at Mtwapa and not at Kiboko and Buchuma. Seed yield was significantly and positively correlated with caryopsis per spikelet (r = 0.78) and, significantly and negatively correlated with percent empty spikelets (r = -0.75). KLF1 ecotype, a high seeder, had the highest mean germination capacity at 71 % and MGD3 had the least with 22.5%. Ecotype MGD3 collected from a seasonally flooded preserved grazing area in agro- ecological zone six recorded the poorest germination characteristics across all sites. Adaptation to the prevailing environmental conditions and management and utilization of grazing lands at sites of ecotype collection may have influenced the observed seed characteristics.
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Evaluation of Cenchrus ciliaris Ecotypes for Seed Yield and Related Traits
Cenchrus ciliaris is widely promoted as a choice grass species for reseeding Arid and Semi- arid Lands (ASALs). Due to the high variability in ASAL environments, there is need to evaluate ecotypes of C. ciliaris with potentially higher seed yield and germination that may possibly be selected and promoted for rangeland reseeding initiatives. Nine ecotypes of C. ciliaris collected from selected sites in Kenyan ASALs were evaluated for seed yield and related traits at three KALRO centres (Kiboko, Buchuma and Mtwapa). Buchuma site (208.4 kg ha-1) had higher (p-1, respectively. Seed yield varied among ecotypes at Mtwapa and not at Kiboko and Buchuma. Seed yield was significantly and positively correlated with caryopsis per spikelet (r = 0.78) and, significantly and negatively correlated with percent empty spikelets (r = -0.75). KLF1 ecotype, a high seeder, had the highest mean germination capacity at 71 % and MGD3 had the least with 22.5%. Ecotype MGD3 collected from a seasonally flooded preserved grazing area in agro- ecological zone six recorded the poorest germination characteristics across all sites. Adaptation to the prevailing environmental conditions and management and utilization of grazing lands at sites of ecotype collection may have influenced the observed seed characteristics.
