Seed Production and Germination in Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris Linn.) Genotype CAZRI 75 under Arid Conditions

Abstract

Genotype CAZRI 75 of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris Linn.) sown in 2003 was evaluated for seed yield, its components and germination during 2003 to 2005. The average seed yield was 149.5, 119.9 and 152.0 kg ha-1 during 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively. In first year the seed yield of second harvest was more than the first harvest, while in second year more than 90% of the total seed yield was from the first harvest. Seed germination ranged from 9.8% to 29.4%. During 2005 seed of the first two of the three harvests showed more than 29% germination meeting the requirement of Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards. In the fourth year the crop could not survive, may be due to single or combined effect of the genotype and the environmental conditions. Key words: Cenchrus ciliaris, seed production, seed yield components, germination.