Abstract

                                Studies were made to estimate the available genetic variability for 12 characters of forage value on a germplasm collection of 53 genotypes of napier grass. High level of variability was observed for all the characters excepting leaf length. Higher estimates of GCV and heritability showed that the characters were highly heritable with scope of improvement through selection. Green fodder yield was significantly and positively correlated with plant height, leaves per tiller, leaf weight, stem weight, dry matter and crude protein yield. A number of high yielding genotypes was indentified for use in interspecific hybridisation with hajra

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