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Abstract

Smith, R.J., E.G. Rhoden, V.A. Khanand J.R. Bartlett. 2009. Production of eastern gamagrass accessions grown under greenhouse conditions. JEMREST 6:00-00

DOI: 10.4029/2009jemrest6no14

The development of adapted acid-tolerant plants offers potential for increasing animal production in southeastern United States. Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides L.) is a warm-season perennial grass capable of high productivity and moderate to high forage quality. The species has also been reported to penetrate acidic claypan. As a result, eastern gamagrass is being considered as a potential forage and barrier crop for limited resource farmers in the southeast. A study was conducted to measure the performance of eastern gamagrass accessions under greenhouse conditions. Accessions were chosen to reflect a broad geographic and genetic spectrum of eastern gamagrass found in the southeast. Plants grown and harvested every 35 days were measured for forage yield and quality. Crude protein, mineral composition, and fiber were used as quality indicators. Data collected showed that forage production ranged from 7 to 12 metric ton/ha. All accessions provided adequate Ca, P and K for growing and finishing beef cattle. However, low Ca:P ratio was observed at the second harvest. Most accessions provided adequate Mg. All accessions provided adequate P and K at the third harvest, and most accessions provided adequate Ca and Mg. Low Ca:P ratio was also observed at the third harvest. Crude protein ranged from 13.7 to 17.3%, well above NRC requirements for beef cattle. Results indicated that the quality of most accessions was above the NRC requirement for finishing cattle.