Publication Date
1993
Description
In 2 field experiments in Morogoro, Tanzania, 2 methods of establishing elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum) were compared: (a) the traditional method in which stem sections were planted with 2 nodes covered with soil and a third node exposed, and (b) horizontal planting of stem sections, buried below 6 cm of soil. The yield of leaf plus "stem" 12 weeks after planting was 35-39% higher with the horizontal method than with the traditional one. The number of tillers produced from the centre node of the 3 planted in each stem section was not much affected by the method of planting, but the outer nodes produced more tillers with horizontal planting than with the traditional method. The horizontal method is easier to mechanise and saves time. We conclude that it should be more widely used.
Citation
Mtemgeti, E J. and Wilman, D, "Elephantgrass Establishment in Morogoro, Tanzania" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 36.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session11/36
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Elephantgrass Establishment in Morogoro, Tanzania
In 2 field experiments in Morogoro, Tanzania, 2 methods of establishing elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum) were compared: (a) the traditional method in which stem sections were planted with 2 nodes covered with soil and a third node exposed, and (b) horizontal planting of stem sections, buried below 6 cm of soil. The yield of leaf plus "stem" 12 weeks after planting was 35-39% higher with the horizontal method than with the traditional one. The number of tillers produced from the centre node of the 3 planted in each stem section was not much affected by the method of planting, but the outer nodes produced more tillers with horizontal planting than with the traditional method. The horizontal method is easier to mechanise and saves time. We conclude that it should be more widely used.
