FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY PERFORMANCE OF PERENNIAL WHEAT GENOTYPES.

Abstract

Pot experiment was carried out at the Henfaes Research Centre, University of Wales, Bangor, UK to compare forage yield and quality of perennial wheat genotypes namely AGCS, MT2 Spitzer, SS259, V550713  and V550715 harvested twice. The genotypes varied significantly for yield and yield components and quality parameters. The genotype MT2 produced higher forage and dry matter yield due to greater plant height and tillers per pot. The Spitzer was superior in quality regarding crude protein, ash percentage and digestible dry matter percentage. However, modified acid detergent fiber was the minimum in V550713. Though forage yield was higher in September cut, but was of poor quality compared with December cut. The genotype MT2 also performed better in the December cuts regarding forage yield due to better sprouting potential. Keeping in view the findings of present study, the genotype MT2 seems to be a better choice for forage production as its yield was higher in both the cuts.