Experimental studies on seed production of tropical grasses in Kenya. 1. General introduction and analysis of problems.

Abstract

Problems in seed production of Setaria sphacelata (2 cv.), Chloris gayana (3 cv.), Panicum coloration, P. maximum, Brachiaria ruziziensis and Melinis minutiflora are discussed. Low yields and quality were due to varying combinations of prolonged heading season per plant and per cultivar, prolonged flowering within a given head, low seed set, low number of fertile tillers, low seed retention, disease and bird damage. Actual yields were only about 5% of potential yields.-R.B. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)