Publication Date

1989

Description

Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) is a stoloniferous perennial important in warm-temperate and sub-tropical regions for grazing, erosion control, or amenity uses. Genetic improvement and the registration of cultivars has occurred in Australia (Wilson, 1975; Anon., 1983a, 1983b). Evaluation in New Zealand of this material has investigated the potential for further improvement of kikuyu grass for grazing and amenity uses. In this work, plants considered suitable for selection as a « grazing» type have erectness, large leaves, low stolons number, and high yield. «Amenity» types have fines leaves, thin stolons, low stolon number, and a prostrate and dense habit.

Share

COinS
 

Kikuyu Grass Improvement for Grazing and Amenity Uses

Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) is a stoloniferous perennial important in warm-temperate and sub-tropical regions for grazing, erosion control, or amenity uses. Genetic improvement and the registration of cultivars has occurred in Australia (Wilson, 1975; Anon., 1983a, 1983b). Evaluation in New Zealand of this material has investigated the potential for further improvement of kikuyu grass for grazing and amenity uses. In this work, plants considered suitable for selection as a « grazing» type have erectness, large leaves, low stolons number, and high yield. «Amenity» types have fines leaves, thin stolons, low stolon number, and a prostrate and dense habit.