Twelve elephant grass genotypes were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. Each experimental plot was formed by four lines with 3 m of length, spaced by 1 m and fertilized with 100 kg of P2O5, 100 kg of N, 60 kg of K2O and 25 kg of micronutrients/ha. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for forage plant height and dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and digestible dry matter (DDM) production/ha. The genotypes CNPGL 92-94-01, CNPGL 92-79-02, CNPGL 91-06-02, CNPGL 94-07-02, CNPGL 94-09-01, BAG 66, CNPGL 93-32-02 and cv. Cameroon presented the largest production of DM, CP, and DDM. There were no significant differences for DM concentration (DM) and leaf/stem ratio (L/S) among the evaluated genotypes. The cluster analyses suggested a group of elephantgrass genotypes with higher DM, CP, and DDM production/ha and other with lower DM, CP, and DDM.
dry matter yield; elephantgrass cultivars; intraspecific hybrid; leaf/stem ratio; protein yield
