BIBLIOGRAPHY BUSOY, GINA M. APRIL 2009....
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BUSOY, GINA M. APRIL 2009. Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of
Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province. Benguet
State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Leoncia L. Tandang, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
Eleven strains of stargrass collected from different municipalities of Benguet were
evaluated for their morphological character and forage yield under La Trinidad, Benguet
condition. The eleven strains of stargrass exhibited prostrate growth habit, small leaves
with medium green leaf color, medium leaf texture, and smooth stem texture.
Significant differences in morphological characters and forage yield were
observed among the 11 strains of stargrass studied. The strains of stargrass from Tuba, La
Trinidad and Itogon had the tallest plants among the 11 strains evaluated. The strains
from La Trinidad and Kibungan had the biggest leaves. The highest stem diameter was
noted in strains from La Trinidad, Itogon and Sablan. The strains of stargrass from La
Trinidad and Itogon also produced the highest forage yield and dry matter content. As a
result of this study, the stargrass from La Trinidad and Itogon are the best strains in terms
of morphological characters and forage yield under La Trinidad, Benguet condition.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography ……………………………………………………………………
i
Abstract ………………………………………………………………………...
i
ii
Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………
INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………..
1
REVIEW OF LITERATURE ………………………………………………….
4
Importance of Forage …………………………………………………..
4
Forage Production in Relation
to Ruminant Production ………………………………………………..
4
Forage Quality ………………………………………………………….
5
Origin of Stargrass ……………………………………………………..
7
Botanical Description of Stargrass ……………………………………...
7
Ecology of Stargrass …………………………………………………...
8
Establishment of Stargrass ……………………………………………..
8
Stargrass Feeding Value ………………………………………………..
9
Importance of Characterization ………………………………………...
10
MATERIALS AND METHODS ………………………………………………
11
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION …………………………………………….
18
Plant Vigor and Height ……………………………………..………...
18
Leaf Characters ………………………………………….…………...
18
Stem Characters …………………………………………….………..
20
Forage Yield ………………………………………………….………
21
ii
Dry Matter Content of the
11 Strains of Stargrass ………………………………………….…….
24
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ……………...
26
Summary ……………………………………………………….…….
26
Conclusion ………………………………………………….………..
27
Recommendation …………………………………………….………
27
LITERATURE CITED …………………………………………….………...
28
APPENDICES …………………………………………………….…………
30
iii
INTRODUCTION
Forages are utilized as feeds for animals especially by ruminants, because they are
usually regarded as one grown for edible plant parts other than the seed. They provide
major part of nutrients required for dairy farming (Boone 1981). Production of high
quality and large quantity of forage is very important in the animal production industry
(Rosacia, 2007). Since there is fast rising demand and cost of animal meat and milk
products, it is imperative to produce good quality of pasture and forage crops and utilize
crop residues more efficiently. This becomes a practical option, since these natural feed
resources will continue to be the most readily available and cheapest source of feeds for
ruminants even in the distant future (PCARRD, 1981). Improving animal production
requires improving the quality and quantity of forage (Miller, 1984).
Forage crops are not thought as a cash crop, but profit can and should be expected
from raising them. It is thought that profit will be derived when it is consumed by an
animal before they are generally considered usable for human beings (Miller, 1984). One
of the keys to profitable livestock production is to minimize the costs of producing a
marketable animal or animal product because feed costs are commonly 70-80 percent of
the cost of growing or maintaining an animal (Huston and Pinchak, 2008).
The expansion and development of the livestock industry of the Philippines,
particularly of carabao, cattle, and goats, will depend to a great extent on the production
of good quality pasture and forage crops and the utilization of crop residues. This is
because these materials are and will continue to be the cheapest sources of feed for
ruminants.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
2
In Cordillera region, forage production is not a major priority industry; in fact it is
more on vegetable production. Ruminants particularly depends their animal feeds on the
forages that occur on the mountains or occur naturally in their environment. Since almost
all of the farmers depend on animal power in farming, farmers should realize the benefit
of forage production.
Stargrass is considered as a serious weed in cultivated areas, however much
benefited are derived from it such as good for providing erosion control, significant soil
quality improvements such as: improved soil structure, better water infiltration rates and
increased water holding capacity, result from the use of stargrass as permanent cover
crops (CTAHR, 2007), fair quality forage for animal grazing systems in terms of
production (nutritional quality and palatability). It helps reduce weeds by establishing
quickly and out coming weeds (CTAHR, 2008), and as a cover crops in orchard.
The increased in stargrass usage in recent years has been due to high yields,
persistence, good nutritive value, ease of establishment, drought tolerance, tolerance from
most pest and diseases and extended forage production during short photoperiod
(Mislevy and Rechcigl, 2003).
Stargrass mostly occurring as forage grass in pasture areas of Benguet are grazed
by animals. It is most liked by animals because of its palatability and it contains nutrients
needed for animal nutrition.
Forages improve human health when milk and meat products come from animals
receiving adequate forage rich in nutrients and vitamins because forages provide a major
part of nutrients required for animal nutrition (Rosacia, 2007).
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
3
Vegetable farming and raising of animals are the major source of income of
farmers in Benguet. Some Benguet farmers especially in remote areas are adopting the
old farming practices, which is the use of animal technology. During land preparation,
they use animals in plowing and harrowing their field.
This study will help the researchers and farmers to have more information on
stargrass as forage crop they feed on their animals since it grows widely in Benguet areas.
It is important for them to know how to improve their management practices to produce
quality grazing areas, also in non-grazing areas under cut and carry management system.
Aside from being a feed to ruminants, it can also be helpful in soil conservation. It
can control soil erosion because of deep penetration of its roots, and it be used as a cover
crops. It can make possible more economical use of wet, stony, stumpy or rough areas
unsuited to grain production.
The objectives of the study were to evaluate the morphological characters and
forage yield of 11 strains of stargrass collected from different municipalities of Benguet
and to identify the best strain of stargrass in terms of morphology and forage yield under
La Trinidad Benguet condition.
The study was conducted at Balili Experimental Station, Benguet State University
from August 2008 to February 2009.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Importance of Forage
Forages are important in the sustainable agricultural systems. They are important
sources of animal nutrition. Their inclusion in agro-ecosystems has also desirable
environment benefits including improving water quality, preventing soil erosion,
improving soil health and reclaiming contaminated soil and providing healthful nutrition
to human (Tandang, 2007). It is the most important plant resource that can be converted
to animal protein (Rosacia, 2007).
The major goals in forage production are to maximize dry matter yield and to
achieve a high level of forage quality, but ultimate goal is to produce a maximum yield of
metabolizable energy which can be used by the animals (Humphreys, 2005). The
optimum diet of animal depends on the product, such as beef or milk for cattle.
Forage Production in Relation to Ruminant Production
Forage production is a complex mechanism that takes the energy of sunlight and
transforms it into plant proteins, carbohydrates and other compounds within the forage
plant, and further involves the animal’s conversion of these plant products into milk,
meat or wool (Miller, 1984).
Van Soest as cited by Humphreys, 2005, concluded that ruminants have a much
better capability to digest forage fibrous carbohydrates compared to monogastrics and to
convert poor quality protein and non protein nitrogen sources. Animal performance,
whether in terms of growth or milk production depends on the animal's potential for
production, the amount dry matter (DM) the animal consumes, and the nutritive value of
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
5
the DM consumed. Forage intake is affected by the amount of forage available; and the
characteristics of the forage consumed. Intake is also affected by many characteristics of
forages such as particle size of stored forages, amounts of fiber, protein, and minerals in
the DM, and how fast undigested DM passes through the animal. Accumulations of dead
forage or manure on pasture will decrease intake, while a dense, leafy canopy will
increase intake. Animal performance fed on many stargrass has been excellent in
producing live weight gains (LWG) per acre and average daily gain (ADG) per animal
about that of bahiagrass.
Forage Quality
Forage quality is an inclusive expression used to encompass all nutritional
attributes of forage in relation to its overall value to the consuming animal, including
protein content, digestibility or simply palatability, energy, vitamins and minerals
(Huston and Pinchak, 2008). It is a characteristics that make nutrients, the combination of
chemical and biocharacteristics of forage that determines it’s potential to produce meat,
milk, and wool or with feeding value and nutritive value (MSU, 2007). Tandang, 2007
also added that feed quality of forages depends largely on the maturity of the plant and it
can also be defined as animal performance because of the close relationship between
animal performance and total digestible nutrient intake.
Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) is the sum total of the digestibility of the
organic components of plant materials (Tandang, 2007).it is simply the nutrients of the
feeding stuff converted into carbohydrate equivalents. On an average, fat contains about
two and one-fourth as much as energy as carbohydrates and protein contains about the
same amount as carbohydrates.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
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The Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) is the insoluble residue following extraction of
herbage with acid detergent. This indicates that if the forage had fair, poor or reject ADF,
the quality is not desirable level for feed production (Tandang, 2007).
Forage nutritive value is often described as crude protein concentration. Crude
protein is the estimate of protein content based on a determination of total nitrogen
content.
Relative Feed Value is another overall measure of forage quality used by National
Forage Testing Association (NFTA). The relative feed value represents voluntary intake
of digestible dry matter relative to standard forage, and it has been used to set hay prices
by the NFTA. The RFV is determined by combining the digestibility and potential intake
of forage into one number.
Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) is based on more accurate equations for estimating
the energy value and voluntary intake of forages. Its value represents voluntary intake of
total digestible nutrient (TDN) relative to standard forage.
Digestion maybe defined as the preparation of food for absorption into the body
from the gastro-intestinal tract. However, in common usage, digestibility is taken to mean
disappearance of food from the G.I tract. It is important to recognize that digestibility is
variable. Thus, the digestibility data are used extensively in animal nutrition to evaluate
feedstuffs or study nutrient utilization.
The word digestion is used to include all the processes necessary for the
conversion of food into the soluble forms in which it is assimilable. However, not all the
food can be converted into soluble forms so that it can be absorbed, digestion trials are
run.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
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According to McDonald et. al. (2002), there are some associated terms derived
from digestibility data, which are intended to provide a measure of the energy value of
the food. One measure is the total digestible nutrients (TDN) constant of the food, which
is calculated as the combined weight in 100 kilograms of the food of digestible crude
protein and digestible ether extract. Another derived measure of the energy content of
food is the concentration of digestible organic matter in the dry matter (DOMD).
Furthermore, intake and digestion by animals depends on forage properties such
as its dry matter concentration, particle size, and the ensiling process (Humphreys, 2005).
Origin of Stargrass
Stargrass originates in East and Central Africa, from Ethiopia and Sudan
throughout Zaire to Malawi and Angola. It has been introduced to other parts of the
tropics as a fodder grass (Mannetje et al., 1992). It is a member of Bermuda grass family
and sometimes it is called as giant stargrass or African stargrass, it is also called as a
pioneer plant on disturbed lands (Mislevy, 2008).
Botanical Description of Stargrass
Stargrass is a warm-season perennial that grows vigorously and spreads rapidly
after planting. Stargrass is a stoloniferous sward-forming without rhizomes. The stolons
are stout, weedy and lie flat on the ground surface. The stems are 20-30 cm high and 1-3
mm at the base. The leaf blade is flat, linear-lanceolate, 5-16 cm long and 2-5 mm wide,
thin and green or rather stiff and glaucous, scaberulous, with or without scattered hairs;
ligule a scarious rim 0.3 mm long. Inflorescence of 4-13 digitate 1 sided spikes, usually
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
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in 1 or 2 whorls of 4-10 cm long spikes; spikelets measures 2-3 m long, green or purplish
green (Mannetje, 1992).
Ecology of Stargrass
Productivity and persistence of stargrass are limited to lower elevations or where
temperatures do not fall below -4 oC, as growth rapidly ceases with low temperatures. In
its area of origin, it occurs up to 2300m altitude. It requires 20-80 inches of annual
rainfall (Mannetje, 1992).
Stargrass are well adapted to a wide range of soil types ranging from sands to
clays. It prefers moist, well-drained and fertile soils but cannot tolerate long period of
flooding (Adesogan et. al., 2002). Soil pH of stargrass tolerates a broad PH range (5.0-
8.0) but grows best when the pH is 5.5-6.0. It is not suitable for shaded conditions
(CTAHR, 2007). Stargrass can be grown in areas with low growing legumes to improve
forage quality and reduce the harmful effects of its prussic acid control. Small forms of
Cynodon nlemfuensis can be mistaken for Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon).
Stargrass grows vigorously and roots at the internodes as it spread. Some
genotypes have a bunch-habit type of growth even though they spread by stolons. It is
deep rooted and it can be propagated by stolons or stem pieces.
Establishment of Stargrass
Stargrass
are
established
vegetatively from mature (10- to 14-week-old) stem
pieces. When placed in a moist, firm seedbed, nodes germinate in 5 to 10 days. These
grasses are planted by distributing freshly cut planting material on clean (100% free of
common Bermuda grass and all other vegetation), moist, cultivated soil, covered by
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
9
discing 2 to 4 in. deep (allowing 40% of stem to be exposed) or crimping stem pieces 4
in. deep into the soil followed by an extremely firm packing.
Fresh planting material scattered on the soil surface must be covered with soil or
crimped into the soil immediately after distribution (within 15 min) to prevent plant
material from drying out. If plant material remains on the soil surface for 1.5 hrs, more
than half of the vegetative stems die. Planting material must be uniformly distributed over
the cultivated seedbed, with areas no larger than 3 ft2 devoid of planting material. A solid
stand of stargrass 24 inches high can be obtained in 90 days after planting under good
condition.
Stargrass Feeding Value
Because of stargrass’ palatability to livestock, stargrass can add to farms
sustainability when used for rotational grazing, especially when interplant with low
growing legumes (CTAHR, 2007).
Forage quality when harvested or grazed every 4-5 weeks is about the same for
most star grasses. Under good management with about a 4-week rotation, CP values are
mostly of the order of 11-16% and IVOMD, 55-60%. Quality can be improved to 18%
CP and 68% IVOMD by reducing the rest period to 2 weeks, but persistence may suffer
in some environments if the rest period is less than 3 weeks over an extended period.
Alternatively, if the rest period is increased to 7 weeks or more, CP levels can fall to 7-
8% and IVOMD to 42-53%. Stargrass is most nutritious when grazed every 4-5 weeks.
Phosphorus levels in the DM of between 0.1-0.4% and calcium from 0.2-0.5% have been
recorded.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
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Importance of Characterization
Characterization consists of recording those characters which are highly heritable,
can be easily seen by the eye and are expressed in all environments. Such characters are
rare in the out-crossing grasses, and quantitative characters of lower heritability have to
be used which are also subject to genotype and environment interaction (IBPGR, 2007).
Characterization is based on agro-morphological characters of the plants.
Standardized descriptions are used to characterize materials so that information exchange
of genetic resources is more accessible to researchers and plant breeders (Borromeo et.al.,
1994) and it is usually used as reference in exploiting new traits that is desirable and high
yield performance (Miller, 1984).
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
11
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eleven strains of stargrass were collected from different municipalities of
Benguet. They were collected in non-grazing area where forage grasses are cut and carry
(Plate 1). The stolons of stargrass were used as planting materials, and were cut one foot
from the ground level.
An experimental area of 195 m2 was prepared and divided into three blocks
representing three replications. Each block was divided into 11 plots, each measuring 1m
x 5 m (Figure 2).
The collected stolons of stargrass in each municipality were used as planting
materials and seved as treatments. Stolons were planted in a seedbed for multiplication
(Figure 1) and were grown at BSU – IPB Highland Crops Station for one month to
produce sufficient planting materials for the study. Transplanting was done at the BSU
experimental area in Balili at a planting distance of 20 cm between hills and 30 cm rows
with 15 cm depth. There were two rows per plot. The experiment was laid out following
Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications.
Characterization was based on agro-morphological characters of stargrass using
the descriptor’s list recommended for forages by USDA – ARS (2007).
The 11 strains of stargrass collected in the different municipalities of Benguet
province are as follows:
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
12
Strain
Place of Collection
SG-AT1
Atok
SG-BK2 Bakun
SG-BU3
Buguias
SG-KP4
Kapangan
SG-KB5 Kibungan
SG-IT6
Itogon
SG-LT7 La
Trinidad
SG-MK8
Mankayan
SG-SB9
Sablan
SG-TB10
Tuba
SG-TL11
Tublay
Data Gathered
A. Morphological Characters
1. Growth characters
a. Plant vigor. This was observed one month after transplanting using the
following scale:
Scale
Description Remarks
1 85-89% of the planting material low vigor
had established and vigorous
2
90-94% of the planting material moderate vigor
had established and vigorous
3
95-100% of the planting material high vigor
had established and vigorous
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
13
S1
(a) Collection from Kibungan
(b) Collection from Kapangan
© Collection from Sablan
(d) Collection from Tuba
(e) Collection from Itogon
Figure 1. Collection of strains of stargrass in five municipalities of Benguet
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
14
(a) stolons of stargrass in seedbed
(b) Stargrass after transplanting
for multiplication
(c ) Stargrass at one week after (d) Three months after transplanting
Transplanting
(e) Stargrass at four months
after transplanting
Figure 2. Overview of the eleven strains of stargrass at different stages
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
15
b. Growth habit. This was taken by describing the type of growth habit at the peak
of its vegetative stage and was recorded as prostrate, medium or erect.
c. Plant height at harvest (cm). The height of the plants at 4 months after planting
(MAT) was measured from the base of the plant up to the shoot of ten sample plants per
plot using meter stick.
2. Leaf characters
a. Green color. This was observed as the intensity of leaves’ green color at their
maximum vegetative growth by visual observation and was be recorded as light, medium,
or dark.
b. Texture. The texture was observed using the thumb and point finger and was
recorded as fine, medium, or coarse.
c. Orientation. The leaf orientation of the leaves was recorded as erect, horizontal-
erect, or horizontal.
d. Leaf size. The leaf size was observed based on the width and was classified
based in the following scale:
Scale
Size
Remarks
1
Leaves
has
0-
0.9mm
width
Small
2
Leaves
has
1-2
mm
width
Medium
3
Leaves
has
3-5
mm
width
Large
e. Length (cm). The length of the leaf was measured at maximum vegetative stage
using a ruler from the ligule to leaf tip of 10 sample plants per plot. The middle leaf was
used as sample.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
16
f. Width (cm). The width of the leaf sample used in gathering leaf length was
gathered by measured from the broadest part of the leaf using a ruler at four months after
transplanting.
g. Strength. The strength of the leaf was noted based on its ability to remain intact
and not damaged when pulled and it was recorded as weak, moderate, or strong.
3. Stem characters
a. Stem diameter (mm). This was measured using vernier caliper at the middle
portion of the stem from 10 sample plants per plot and recorded as round or flat.
b. Number of tillers. This was taken by counting the number of stem of 10 sample
plants per plot.
c. Stem texture. The texture of the stem was recorded, using thumb and point
finger and feeled it and was recorded as smooth, hairy, or coarse.
B. Forage Yield
a. Weight per plant. This was recorded as the average weight of the 10 sample
plants per plot.
b. Yield per plot (kg/5m2). This was obtained by weighing the forage yield in
kg/5m2 per plot.
c. Computed yield per hectare (t/ha). This was computed by converting the forage
yield per plot in kg/5m2 into tons per hectare using the following formula:
Yield (t/ha) = Yield (kg) 5m2 x 2
Where 2 is a factor used to convert yield in kg/5m2 to t/ha assuming one hectare
effective area.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
17
d. Dry matter content (DMC). The dry matter content of 100 g fresh samples of
each treatment was obtained using the following formula:
Moisture content (MC) = X 100
Fresh weight – oven dry weight
Fresh weight
%DMC = 100 - %MC
Data Analysis
Data gathered were analyzed following the analysis of variance for Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD). The significance of differences among treatment means
was determined using the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of
significance.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
18
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Plant Vigor and Height
Table 1 shows the plant vigor of 11 strains of stargrass obtained from different
municipalities of Benguet province. All strains were highly vigorous at one month after
transplanting (MAT), except for the strains from Atok and Tublay which were noted to
be moderately vigorous. All of the strains exhibited prostrate growth habit
The height of the stargrass was measured at four months MAT, just before cutting
the forage yield 9 (Figure 3). The strains from Tuba, La Trinidad and Itogon exhibited the
tallest plants, while the strain from Atok had the shortest plants (Table 1).
Leaf Characters
All the 11 strains of stargrass studied had small leaves with medium green color
and medium texture. They also exhibited horizontal- erect leaf orientation (Plate 3). The
strains from La Trinidad and Kibungan had the longest leaves while the strain from Atok
produced the shortest leaves (Table 2). The strains from Bakun produced the narrowest
leaves together with the stargrass from Tublay. On the other hand, the strain from La
Trinidad had the widest leaves which were comparable to the width of leaves of the
majority of strains studied (Table 2).
Longer and wider leaves may indicate higher forage yield than of shorter and
narrower leaves. All of the strains were noted to have moderate leaf strength.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
19
(a) SG-AT1
(b) SG-BK2
(c) SG-BU3
(Strain from Atok) (Strain from Bakun)
(Starin from Buguias)
SG- BA2
(d) SG-KP4
(e) SG-KB5
(f) SG-IT6
(Strain from Kapangan)
(Strain from Kibungan)
(Strain from Itogon)
R2S1
(g) SG-LT7
(h) SG-MK8
(i) SG-SB9
(Strain from La Trinidad) (Strain from Mankayan)
(Strain from Sablan)
(j) SG-TB10
(k) SG-TL11
(Strain from Tuba)
(Strain from Tublay)
Figure 3. Overview of the eleven strains of stargrass
SG – IT6
SG – LT7
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
SG – MK8
20
Table 1. Plant vigor at one MAT and height at 4 MAT of the eleven strains of stargrass
STRAIN
PLANT VIGOR1
PLANT HEIGHT (cm)
SG-AT1 2.33b 31.37c
SG-BK2 3.00a 43.98c
SG-BU3 3.00a 44.83c
SG-KP4 3.00a 43.27c
SG-KB5 3.00a 51.90b
SG-IT6 3.00a 58.46a
SG-LT7 3.00a 58.61a
SG-MK8 3.00a 40.63d
SG-SB9 3.00a 52.11b
SG-TB10
3.00a 59.10a
SG-TL11 2.66ab 38.46d
CV (%)
8.24
3.00
Means of the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level of significance using
DMRT.
1Plant vigor: 1 – low vigor, 2 – moderate vigor, 3 – high vigor
Stem Characteristics
The eleven strains of stargrass collected had round stem and smooth texture.
Significant differences in stem diameter were noted among the 11 strains of stargrass that
were grown under La Trinidad condition (Table 3). The strains from Sablan and La
Trinidad had the highest stem diameter while strain from Atok had the lowest.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
21
Table 2. Leaf length and width of the eleven strains of stargrass
STRAIN
LEAF LENGTH LEAF WIDTH
(cm)
(cm)
SG-AT1 4.52cd 0.26ab
SG-BT2 4.95bcd 0.03c
SG-BT3 5.12bcd 0.37a
SG-KT4 4.45bcd 0.37a
SG-KT5 5.77a 0.41a
SG-IT6 5.02bcd 0.39a
SG-LT7 5.95a 0.42a
SG-MT8 4.96bcd 0.36a
SG-ST9 5.38ab 0.40a
SG-T10
5.01bcd 0.27a
SG-T11 5.26abc 0.11bc
CV (%)
7.58
28.59
Means of the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level of significance using
DMRT.
Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences on tiller number produced
per plant among the 11 strains of stargrass that were grown under La Trinidad condition
(Table 3). Strains produced 15 to 18 tillers per plant, with strains from La Trinidad,
Buguias, and Kapangan having numerically more tillers per plant than the other strains.
Forage Yield
The forage yield of forage per plant is presented in Table 4. The strains from La
Trinidad and Itogon gave the highest forage yield per plant recorded in strains from
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
22
Buguias, Mankayan, kapangan and Sablan. The strain from tublay had the lowest forage
yield per plant.
The forage yield per plot and per hectare differed significantly among 11 strains
of stargrass grown under La Trinidad condition as presented in table 4. The highest
forage yields per 5m2 plot were recorded in strains from Itogon and La Trinidad while
the lowest yield was obtained in strain from Atok
Table 3. Stem diameter and number of tillers per plant of the 11 strains of stargrass
STRAIN DIAMETER
NUMBER OF TILLERS
(mm)
SG-AT1 2.08d 17a
SG-BK2 2.71abc 15a
SG-BU3 2.98abc 18a
SG-KP4 2.97abc 18a
SG-KB5 2.85abc 16a
SG-IT6 3.20ab 17a
SG-LT7 3.61a 18a
SG-MK8 2.33bcd 17a
SG-SB9 3.34a 15a
SG-TB10
3.13abc 16a
SG-TL11 2.25cd 16a
C.V. (%) 16.92 11.27
Means of the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level of signicance using
DMRT.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
23
Consequently, the highest computed forage yield per hectare was noted in the
strains from Itogon and La Trinidad and the lowest was obtained in strain from Atok. The
highest forage yield recorded in strains from Itogon and La Trinidad could be due to their
bigger and numerous tillers per plant that resulted in higher forage yield.
Table 4. Forage yield per plant, per plot and per hectare of 11 strains of stargrass
FRESH FORAGE YIELD
STRAIN
PER PLANT
PLOT
HECTARE
(g)
(kg/ 5m2)
(t/ ha)
SG-AT1 26.19bcd 3.13d 6.27d
SG-BK2 16.84cd 4.27cd 8.54cd
SG-BU3 31.68ab 5.55ab 11.10ab
SG-KP4 29.89abc 4.29bcd 8.58bcd
SG-KB5 27.44bcd 5.45bc 10.90bc
SG-IT6 31.56ab 6.76a 13.52a
SG-LT7 33.07a 6.32a 12.64a
SG-MK8 28.69abc 5.26bc 10.53bc
SG-SB9 29.18abc 5.13bcd 10.26bcd
SG-TB10
25.19cd 5.55ab 11.14ab
SG-TL11
22.44d 3.67cd 7.34cd
CV (%) 10.28 13.78 5.95
Means of the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level of significance using
DMRT.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
24
In addition, according to Paganas (2005) there is always a variation on the yield
components with regard to different varieties in bush bean and this could be done due to
interaction of varieties with the environmental condition.
Dry matter content (DMC)
The highest dry matter content was recorded in the strains from La Trinidad and
Itogon while strain from Tublay and Atok had the lowest dry matter content. Weather and
other environmental conditions, such as humidity and rainfall affect feed moisture
Table 13. Dry matter content of 11 strains of stargrass
STRAIN
DRY MATTER CONTENT
(%)
SG-AT1 22.16e
SG-BK2 27.8bbc
SG-BU3 25.36d
SG-KP4 24.2d
SG-KB5 27.83bc
SG-IT6 30.33a
SG-LT7 30.70aa
SG-MK8 27.26c
SG-SB9 24.53d
SG-TB10
28.76b
SG-TL11 22.86e
CV(%) 11.32
Means of the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level of significance using
DMRT.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
25
content. Dry matter refers to material remaining after removal of water, and the moisture
content reflects the amount of water present in the feed ingredient. The nutrients in feeds,
required by the animal for maintenance, growth, pregnancy, and lactation, are part of the
dry matter portion of the feed. The moisture content of a feed ingredient is important
because the moisture content affects the weight of the feed, but does not provide nutrient
value to the animal. Although animals do have a requirement for water, providing water
through an actual water source, instead of through feed ingredients is necessary (USDA,
2008.)
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
26
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted to evaluate the morphological characters and forage
yield of eleven strains of stargrass collected in different municipalities of Benguet and to
identify the best strain of stargrass in terms of morphology and forage yield under La
Trinidad Benguet condition.
All the strains were highly vigorous, except for the strains from Atok and Tublay
which were moderately vigorous. All of the strains exhibited prostrate growth habit. The
height of the stargrass at four months after transplanting showed that the strain from
Tuba, Itogon and Sablan exhibited significantly the tallest plants, while the strain from
Atok had the shortest plants.
All the 11 strains of stargrass that were studied had small leaves with medium
green color and medium texture and moderate strength. The strains also exhibited
horizontal- erect leaf orientation. The strains from La Trinidad and Kibungan had the
longest leaves. On the other hand, the strain from La Trinidad had the widest leaves
which were comparable to the width of leaves of majority of strains that were studied.
The strains from La Trinidad and Itogon had the highest stem diameter.
The strains from La Trinidad and Itogon produced the highest forage yield per
plant with more than 3 grams. The strains also produced the highest forage yield per 5m2
plot and per hectare. Consequently, the strains recorded also the highest DMC.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
27
Conclusion
The 11 strains of stargrass differed significantly in morphological characters and
forage yield. The strains from La Trinidad and Itogon are the best strains of stargrass in
terms of morphological characters because they were highly vigorous, produced longer
leaves, bigger stem diameter and highest forage yield per plant, per plot and per hectare
and dry matter content.
Recommendation
Based on the results of this study, the strains of stargrass from La Trinidad and
Itogon could be grown for forage production under La Trinidad condition. These strains
could be suitable in the area and could give high forage yield.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
28
LITERATURE CITED
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Manual on Rice Genetic Resources Conservation and Gene bank Management.
Nueva Ecija. P. 22.
CTAHR (College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources). 2007. Benefits
Provided by Stargrass. University of Hawaii, Manoa. Retrieved August 14, 2008
from http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/CoverCrops/stargrass.pdf.
CTAHR (College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources). 2008.
Covercrops:Non-legume. University of Hawaii, Manoa. Retrieved August 14,
2008 from http://www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag/CoverCrops/star_grass.asp
HUMPHREYS, M.O. 2005. Molecular Breeding for the Genetic Improvement of Forage
Crops and Turf. Wageningen Academic Publishers. Australia. Pp. 19-27.
HUSTON, J. E. and W.E. PINCHAK. 2008. Range Animal Nutrition. Retrieved August
14, 2008 from http://cnrit.tamu.edu/rlem/textbook/Chapter2.htm#index1
IPBGR. 2007. Descriptors list for Forage Grass. Retrieved August 4, 2008 from
http://www.ipgr.cgiar.org/publications/HTML publications/420/ch2.htm
MAYNARD, L.A., J.K. LOOSLI, H.F. HINTS, R.G. WAGNER. 1979.17th ed. McGraw-
Hill Book Company. New York. P. 51.
MANNETJE, L.T. and R.M. JONES. 1992. Plant Resources of Southeast Asia for
Forages. Australia. Pp. 102-103.
MCDONALD, P., C.A.MORGAN, R.A.EDUARDS and J.F.D. GREENHALGH. 2002.
6th ed. Animal Nutrition. Pearson Education. New York. Pp. 66-70.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY. 2007. Forage information systems. Retrieved
August 4, 2008 from http://web1.msue.msu.edu/fis/terms.htm
MILLER, D. A. 1984. Forage Crops.Mcgraw Hill Book Company. New York. Pp. 3-8,
470-474.
MISLEVY, P. 2008. Stargrass. Retrieved August 4, 2008 from
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AG154
MISLEVY, P. and RECHCIGL. 2003. Effects of Phosphorous and Potassium on Forage
Nutritive Value and Quantity. American Society of Agronomy. Retrieved August
14, 2008 from http://agron.scijournals.org/cgi/content/full/96/5/1299
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nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
29
PCARRD. 2001. The Philippines Recommends for Forages. PCARRD: Laguna. P. 1.
REEVES, P.M., and H.O. HENDERSON. 1963. 5th ed. Dairy Cattle Feeding and
Management. John Wiley and Sons Inc. New York. Pp. 23-26.
ROSACIA, W. Z. 2007. Research Information Series on Ecosystems.
Vol.19. Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, DENR College 4031,
Laguna. P. 1.
TANDANG, L.L. 2006-2007. Collection, Characterization, and Feeding Value of Wild
Forage Plants in Jeju, Korea. Post Doctoral Research. Jeju, South Korea. Pp. 57-
65.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA). 2008. Dairy Animal
Manure Management. Retrieved August 4, 2008 from
http://www.extension.org/pages/Dry_Matter_Determination
WHEELER, W.A. 1950. Forage and Pasture Crops. D van Nostrand Company.Inc. New
Jersey. Pp. 67,608-615.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
30
APPENDICES
Appendix Table 1. Plant vigor
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL
MEAN
I II III
S1 2 2 3 7
2.33
S2 3 3 3 9
3.00
S3 3 3 3 9
3.00
S4 3 3 3 9
3.00
S5 3 3 3 9
3.00
S6 3 3 3 9
3.00
S7 3 3 3 9
3.00
S8 3 3 3 9
3.00
S9 3 3 3 9
3.00
S10 3 3 3
9 3.00
S11 2 3 3
8 2.66
TOTAL
31
32
33
96
2.90
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 1.39
1.13
2.42** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 0.18
0.09
Error
20 1.15
0.05
TOTAL
32
2.72
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 8.24
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
31
Appendix Table 2. Plant height (cm) at four months after planting
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL
MEAN
I II III
S1 30.45
33.64
30.02
94.11
31.37
S2 41.73
45.92
44.31
131.96
43.98
S3 45.52
45.8
43.17
134.49
44.83
S4 43.35
43.88
42.60
129.83
43.27
S5 53.38
51.83
50.51
155.72
51.90
S6 59.43
57.27
58.68
175.38
58.46
S7 59.87
57.91
58.07
175.85
58.61
S8 42.51
38.95
40.44
121.9
40.63
S9 53.48
52.85
50.02
156.35
52.11
S10 60.42
58.29
58.60
177.31
59.10
S11 39.16
37.37
38.87
115.4
38.46
TOTAL
529.3
523.71
515.29
1568.21
47.52
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 2546.96
254.69
125.14** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 11.16
5.58
Error
20 40.70
2.03
TOTAL
32 2598.84
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 3.00
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
32
Appendix Table 3. Leaf length (cm)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1 4.48
4.51
4.58
13.57
4.52
S2 4.84
5.16
4.85
14.85
4.95
S3 5.39
4.69
5.29
15.37
5.12
S4 5.10
4.70
5.05
14.85
4.95
S5 6.10
5.75
5.46
17.31
5.77
S6 5.13
5.08
4.86
15.07
5.02
S7 6.11
5.87
5.88
17.86
5.95
S8 5.42
4.54
4.92
14.88
4.96
S9 5.51
5.64
5.01
16.16
5.38
S10 5.02
4.88
5.11
15.04
5.01
S11 5.26
5.36
5.17
15,79
5.26
TOTAL
58.39
56.18
56.18
170.75
5.17
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 6.18
0.61
4.12** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 0.003
0.001
Error
20 3.00
0.15
TOTAL
32
9.19
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 7.58
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
33
Appendix Table 4. Leaf width (cm)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1 0.04
0.35
0.40
0.79
0.26
S2 0.03
0.03
0.03
0.09
0.03
S3 0.42
0.36
0.35
1.13
0.37
S4 0.36
0.39
0.38
1.13
0.37
S5 0.41
0.42
0.41
1.23
0.41
S6 0.42
0.37
0.40
1.19
0.39
S7 0.43
0.42
0.43
1.28
0.42
S8 0.37
0.37
0.36
1.10
0.36
S9 0.42
0.39
0.40
1.21
0.40
S10 0.03
0.39
0.40 0.82
0.27
S11 0.10
0.20
0.04 0.34
0.11
TOTAL 3.03 3.84 3.6 10.31 0.31
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 0.51
0.05
6.49** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 0.02
0.01
Error
20 0.15
0.007
TOTAL
32
0.70
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 28.59
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
34
Appendix Table 5. Stem diameter (mm)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1 2.40
1.93
1.91
6.24
2.08
S2 2.90
3.14
2.10
8.14
2.71
S3 3.34
3.47
2.15
8.96
2.98
S4 3.32
3.31
2.30
8.93
2.97
S5 2.96
3.45
2.15
8.56
2.85
S6 3.90
3.83
2.39
10.12
3.37
S7 3.81
4.15
2.89
10.85
3.61
S8 2.37
2.25
2.37
6.99
2.33
S9 3.9
4.02
2.10
10.02
3.34
S10 3.40
3.55
2.45 9.40
3.13
S11 2.20
2.16
2.40 6.76
2.25
TOTAL
34.5
35.26
25.21
94.97
2.99
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 8.82
0.88
3.85** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 4.83
2.41
Error
30 4.58
0.22
TOTAL
32
18.25
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 16.92
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
35
Appendix Table 6. Number of tillers per plot
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1 16.5
18.1
15.8
50.4
16.8
S2 14.7
16.7
13.5
44.9
14.96
S3 19.1
20.5
14.5
54.1
18.03
S4 18.2
16.0
16.4
50.6
16.86
S5 12.9
18.7
15.7
47.3
15.76
S6 14.5
18.3
16.1
48.9
16.3
S7 15.8
16.4
18.0
50.2
16.73
S8 17.8
17.0
16.3
51.1
17.03
S9 16.3
15.7
13.2
45.2
15.06
S10 17.5
17.7
17.8
53.0
17.66
S11 20.8
15.2
16.5
52.5
15.06
TOTAL
184.1
190.3
173.8
548.2
16.61
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN SUM
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 32.15 3.21 0.92 ns 2.35
3.37
Block
2 12.78 6.39
Error
20 69.84 3.49
TOTAL
32 114.78
ns- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 11.27
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
36
Appendix Table 7. Forage yield per plot (5m2)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1 3.26
2.99
3.16
9.41
3.13
S2 4.24
4.38
4.20
12.82
4.27
S3 5.43
5.55
5.68
16.66
5.55
S4 4.18
4.39
4.31
12.88
4.29
S5 5.43
5.58
5.34
16.35
5.45
S6 6.89
6.80
6.59
20.28
6.76
S7 6.25
6.42
6.30
18.97
6.32
S8 5.25
5.35
5.20
15.80
5.26
S9 4.95
5.25
5.20
15.4
5.13
S10 5.53
5.26
5.58
16.67
5.55
S11 3.46
3.59
3.97
11.02
3.67
TOTAL
54.87
55.86
55.53
166.26
5.03
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
F
SUM OF
F
OF
OF
SUM OF
TABULAR
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 36.01 3.60 180** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 0.05
0.02
Error
20 0.36 0.02
TOTAL
32
36.41
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 16.92
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
37
Appendix Table 8. Forage yield (g) per plant
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1
23.44 27.92 27.23 83.95 27.98
S2 28.8
22.88
24.25
50.53
16.84
S3
31.94 30.09 33.02 95.05 31.68
S4
23.84 32.83 33.0
99.63 33.21
S5 33.8
22.68
25.84
72.36
24.12
S6 32.0
34.23
33.0
99.23
23.07
S7
28.62 27.46 30.01 86.09 28.69
S8 30.42
31.6
32.68
94.7
31.56
S9
28.43 30.81 28.31 87.55 29.18
S10 24.8
26.32
24.33
76.46
25.48
S11
22.32 21.62 23.40 67.34 22.44
TOTAL
309.48
308.44
315.07
912.89
27.66
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 311.75
31.17 3.68** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 2.24
1.12
Error
20 169.30
8.46
TOTAL
32 483.29
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 10.28
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
38
Appendix Table 9. Dry matter content (%)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1 22.0
21.8
22.7
66.5
22.16
S2 28.6
26.2
28.6
83.4
27.8
S3 25.6
24.9
25.6
76.1
25.36
S4 24.0
24.7
23.9
72.66
24.22
S5 27.8
28.3
27.4
83.5
27.83
S6 29.2
30.0
31.8
91
30.33
S7 31.6
30.9
29.6
92.1
30.7
S8 27.0
26.9
27.9
81.8
27.26
S9 24.3
24.4
24.9
73.6
24.53
S10 29.0
28.9
28.4
86.3
28.76
S11 22.7
23.0
22.9
68.6
22.86
TOTAL
291.8
290.0
293.7
875.5
26.53
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment 10 251.8
25.18
43.98** 2.35
3.37
Block 2
10.62
0.31
Error 20
11.45
0.57
TOTAL 32 263.88
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 0.17
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
BUSOY, GINA M. APRIL 2009. Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of
Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province. Benguet
State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Leoncia L. Tandang, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
Eleven strains of stargrass collected from different municipalities of Benguet were
evaluated for their morphological character and forage yield under La Trinidad, Benguet
condition. The eleven strains of stargrass exhibited prostrate growth habit, small leaves
with medium green leaf color, medium leaf texture, and smooth stem texture.
Significant differences in morphological characters and forage yield were
observed among the 11 strains of stargrass studied. The strains of stargrass from Tuba, La
Trinidad and Itogon had the tallest plants among the 11 strains evaluated. The strains
from La Trinidad and Kibungan had the biggest leaves. The highest stem diameter was
noted in strains from La Trinidad, Itogon and Sablan. The strains of stargrass from La
Trinidad and Itogon also produced the highest forage yield and dry matter content. As a
result of this study, the stargrass from La Trinidad and Itogon are the best strains in terms
of morphological characters and forage yield under La Trinidad, Benguet condition.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography ……………………………………………………………………
i
Abstract ………………………………………………………………………...
i
ii
Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………
INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………..
1
REVIEW OF LITERATURE ………………………………………………….
4
Importance of Forage …………………………………………………..
4
Forage Production in Relation
to Ruminant Production ………………………………………………..
4
Forage Quality ………………………………………………………….
5
Origin of Stargrass ……………………………………………………..
7
Botanical Description of Stargrass ……………………………………...
7
Ecology of Stargrass …………………………………………………...
8
Establishment of Stargrass ……………………………………………..
8
Stargrass Feeding Value ………………………………………………..
9
Importance of Characterization ………………………………………...
10
MATERIALS AND METHODS ………………………………………………
11
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION …………………………………………….
18
Plant Vigor and Height ……………………………………..………...
18
Leaf Characters ………………………………………….…………...
18
Stem Characters …………………………………………….………..
20
Forage Yield ………………………………………………….………
21
ii
Dry Matter Content of the
11 Strains of Stargrass ………………………………………….…….
24
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ……………...
26
Summary ……………………………………………………….…….
26
Conclusion ………………………………………………….………..
27
Recommendation …………………………………………….………
27
LITERATURE CITED …………………………………………….………...
28
APPENDICES …………………………………………………….…………
30
iii
INTRODUCTION
Forages are utilized as feeds for animals especially by ruminants, because they are
usually regarded as one grown for edible plant parts other than the seed. They provide
major part of nutrients required for dairy farming (Boone 1981). Production of high
quality and large quantity of forage is very important in the animal production industry
(Rosacia, 2007). Since there is fast rising demand and cost of animal meat and milk
products, it is imperative to produce good quality of pasture and forage crops and utilize
crop residues more efficiently. This becomes a practical option, since these natural feed
resources will continue to be the most readily available and cheapest source of feeds for
ruminants even in the distant future (PCARRD, 1981). Improving animal production
requires improving the quality and quantity of forage (Miller, 1984).
Forage crops are not thought as a cash crop, but profit can and should be expected
from raising them. It is thought that profit will be derived when it is consumed by an
animal before they are generally considered usable for human beings (Miller, 1984). One
of the keys to profitable livestock production is to minimize the costs of producing a
marketable animal or animal product because feed costs are commonly 70-80 percent of
the cost of growing or maintaining an animal (Huston and Pinchak, 2008).
The expansion and development of the livestock industry of the Philippines,
particularly of carabao, cattle, and goats, will depend to a great extent on the production
of good quality pasture and forage crops and the utilization of crop residues. This is
because these materials are and will continue to be the cheapest sources of feed for
ruminants.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
2
In Cordillera region, forage production is not a major priority industry; in fact it is
more on vegetable production. Ruminants particularly depends their animal feeds on the
forages that occur on the mountains or occur naturally in their environment. Since almost
all of the farmers depend on animal power in farming, farmers should realize the benefit
of forage production.
Stargrass is considered as a serious weed in cultivated areas, however much
benefited are derived from it such as good for providing erosion control, significant soil
quality improvements such as: improved soil structure, better water infiltration rates and
increased water holding capacity, result from the use of stargrass as permanent cover
crops (CTAHR, 2007), fair quality forage for animal grazing systems in terms of
production (nutritional quality and palatability). It helps reduce weeds by establishing
quickly and out coming weeds (CTAHR, 2008), and as a cover crops in orchard.
The increased in stargrass usage in recent years has been due to high yields,
persistence, good nutritive value, ease of establishment, drought tolerance, tolerance from
most pest and diseases and extended forage production during short photoperiod
(Mislevy and Rechcigl, 2003).
Stargrass mostly occurring as forage grass in pasture areas of Benguet are grazed
by animals. It is most liked by animals because of its palatability and it contains nutrients
needed for animal nutrition.
Forages improve human health when milk and meat products come from animals
receiving adequate forage rich in nutrients and vitamins because forages provide a major
part of nutrients required for animal nutrition (Rosacia, 2007).
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
3
Vegetable farming and raising of animals are the major source of income of
farmers in Benguet. Some Benguet farmers especially in remote areas are adopting the
old farming practices, which is the use of animal technology. During land preparation,
they use animals in plowing and harrowing their field.
This study will help the researchers and farmers to have more information on
stargrass as forage crop they feed on their animals since it grows widely in Benguet areas.
It is important for them to know how to improve their management practices to produce
quality grazing areas, also in non-grazing areas under cut and carry management system.
Aside from being a feed to ruminants, it can also be helpful in soil conservation. It
can control soil erosion because of deep penetration of its roots, and it be used as a cover
crops. It can make possible more economical use of wet, stony, stumpy or rough areas
unsuited to grain production.
The objectives of the study were to evaluate the morphological characters and
forage yield of 11 strains of stargrass collected from different municipalities of Benguet
and to identify the best strain of stargrass in terms of morphology and forage yield under
La Trinidad Benguet condition.
The study was conducted at Balili Experimental Station, Benguet State University
from August 2008 to February 2009.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Importance of Forage
Forages are important in the sustainable agricultural systems. They are important
sources of animal nutrition. Their inclusion in agro-ecosystems has also desirable
environment benefits including improving water quality, preventing soil erosion,
improving soil health and reclaiming contaminated soil and providing healthful nutrition
to human (Tandang, 2007). It is the most important plant resource that can be converted
to animal protein (Rosacia, 2007).
The major goals in forage production are to maximize dry matter yield and to
achieve a high level of forage quality, but ultimate goal is to produce a maximum yield of
metabolizable energy which can be used by the animals (Humphreys, 2005). The
optimum diet of animal depends on the product, such as beef or milk for cattle.
Forage Production in Relation to Ruminant Production
Forage production is a complex mechanism that takes the energy of sunlight and
transforms it into plant proteins, carbohydrates and other compounds within the forage
plant, and further involves the animal’s conversion of these plant products into milk,
meat or wool (Miller, 1984).
Van Soest as cited by Humphreys, 2005, concluded that ruminants have a much
better capability to digest forage fibrous carbohydrates compared to monogastrics and to
convert poor quality protein and non protein nitrogen sources. Animal performance,
whether in terms of growth or milk production depends on the animal's potential for
production, the amount dry matter (DM) the animal consumes, and the nutritive value of
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
5
the DM consumed. Forage intake is affected by the amount of forage available; and the
characteristics of the forage consumed. Intake is also affected by many characteristics of
forages such as particle size of stored forages, amounts of fiber, protein, and minerals in
the DM, and how fast undigested DM passes through the animal. Accumulations of dead
forage or manure on pasture will decrease intake, while a dense, leafy canopy will
increase intake. Animal performance fed on many stargrass has been excellent in
producing live weight gains (LWG) per acre and average daily gain (ADG) per animal
about that of bahiagrass.
Forage Quality
Forage quality is an inclusive expression used to encompass all nutritional
attributes of forage in relation to its overall value to the consuming animal, including
protein content, digestibility or simply palatability, energy, vitamins and minerals
(Huston and Pinchak, 2008). It is a characteristics that make nutrients, the combination of
chemical and biocharacteristics of forage that determines it’s potential to produce meat,
milk, and wool or with feeding value and nutritive value (MSU, 2007). Tandang, 2007
also added that feed quality of forages depends largely on the maturity of the plant and it
can also be defined as animal performance because of the close relationship between
animal performance and total digestible nutrient intake.
Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) is the sum total of the digestibility of the
organic components of plant materials (Tandang, 2007).it is simply the nutrients of the
feeding stuff converted into carbohydrate equivalents. On an average, fat contains about
two and one-fourth as much as energy as carbohydrates and protein contains about the
same amount as carbohydrates.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
6
The Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) is the insoluble residue following extraction of
herbage with acid detergent. This indicates that if the forage had fair, poor or reject ADF,
the quality is not desirable level for feed production (Tandang, 2007).
Forage nutritive value is often described as crude protein concentration. Crude
protein is the estimate of protein content based on a determination of total nitrogen
content.
Relative Feed Value is another overall measure of forage quality used by National
Forage Testing Association (NFTA). The relative feed value represents voluntary intake
of digestible dry matter relative to standard forage, and it has been used to set hay prices
by the NFTA. The RFV is determined by combining the digestibility and potential intake
of forage into one number.
Relative Forage Quality (RFQ) is based on more accurate equations for estimating
the energy value and voluntary intake of forages. Its value represents voluntary intake of
total digestible nutrient (TDN) relative to standard forage.
Digestion maybe defined as the preparation of food for absorption into the body
from the gastro-intestinal tract. However, in common usage, digestibility is taken to mean
disappearance of food from the G.I tract. It is important to recognize that digestibility is
variable. Thus, the digestibility data are used extensively in animal nutrition to evaluate
feedstuffs or study nutrient utilization.
The word digestion is used to include all the processes necessary for the
conversion of food into the soluble forms in which it is assimilable. However, not all the
food can be converted into soluble forms so that it can be absorbed, digestion trials are
run.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
7
According to McDonald et. al. (2002), there are some associated terms derived
from digestibility data, which are intended to provide a measure of the energy value of
the food. One measure is the total digestible nutrients (TDN) constant of the food, which
is calculated as the combined weight in 100 kilograms of the food of digestible crude
protein and digestible ether extract. Another derived measure of the energy content of
food is the concentration of digestible organic matter in the dry matter (DOMD).
Furthermore, intake and digestion by animals depends on forage properties such
as its dry matter concentration, particle size, and the ensiling process (Humphreys, 2005).
Origin of Stargrass
Stargrass originates in East and Central Africa, from Ethiopia and Sudan
throughout Zaire to Malawi and Angola. It has been introduced to other parts of the
tropics as a fodder grass (Mannetje et al., 1992). It is a member of Bermuda grass family
and sometimes it is called as giant stargrass or African stargrass, it is also called as a
pioneer plant on disturbed lands (Mislevy, 2008).
Botanical Description of Stargrass
Stargrass is a warm-season perennial that grows vigorously and spreads rapidly
after planting. Stargrass is a stoloniferous sward-forming without rhizomes. The stolons
are stout, weedy and lie flat on the ground surface. The stems are 20-30 cm high and 1-3
mm at the base. The leaf blade is flat, linear-lanceolate, 5-16 cm long and 2-5 mm wide,
thin and green or rather stiff and glaucous, scaberulous, with or without scattered hairs;
ligule a scarious rim 0.3 mm long. Inflorescence of 4-13 digitate 1 sided spikes, usually
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
8
in 1 or 2 whorls of 4-10 cm long spikes; spikelets measures 2-3 m long, green or purplish
green (Mannetje, 1992).
Ecology of Stargrass
Productivity and persistence of stargrass are limited to lower elevations or where
temperatures do not fall below -4 oC, as growth rapidly ceases with low temperatures. In
its area of origin, it occurs up to 2300m altitude. It requires 20-80 inches of annual
rainfall (Mannetje, 1992).
Stargrass are well adapted to a wide range of soil types ranging from sands to
clays. It prefers moist, well-drained and fertile soils but cannot tolerate long period of
flooding (Adesogan et. al., 2002). Soil pH of stargrass tolerates a broad PH range (5.0-
8.0) but grows best when the pH is 5.5-6.0. It is not suitable for shaded conditions
(CTAHR, 2007). Stargrass can be grown in areas with low growing legumes to improve
forage quality and reduce the harmful effects of its prussic acid control. Small forms of
Cynodon nlemfuensis can be mistaken for Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon).
Stargrass grows vigorously and roots at the internodes as it spread. Some
genotypes have a bunch-habit type of growth even though they spread by stolons. It is
deep rooted and it can be propagated by stolons or stem pieces.
Establishment of Stargrass
Stargrass
are
established
vegetatively from mature (10- to 14-week-old) stem
pieces. When placed in a moist, firm seedbed, nodes germinate in 5 to 10 days. These
grasses are planted by distributing freshly cut planting material on clean (100% free of
common Bermuda grass and all other vegetation), moist, cultivated soil, covered by
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
9
discing 2 to 4 in. deep (allowing 40% of stem to be exposed) or crimping stem pieces 4
in. deep into the soil followed by an extremely firm packing.
Fresh planting material scattered on the soil surface must be covered with soil or
crimped into the soil immediately after distribution (within 15 min) to prevent plant
material from drying out. If plant material remains on the soil surface for 1.5 hrs, more
than half of the vegetative stems die. Planting material must be uniformly distributed over
the cultivated seedbed, with areas no larger than 3 ft2 devoid of planting material. A solid
stand of stargrass 24 inches high can be obtained in 90 days after planting under good
condition.
Stargrass Feeding Value
Because of stargrass’ palatability to livestock, stargrass can add to farms
sustainability when used for rotational grazing, especially when interplant with low
growing legumes (CTAHR, 2007).
Forage quality when harvested or grazed every 4-5 weeks is about the same for
most star grasses. Under good management with about a 4-week rotation, CP values are
mostly of the order of 11-16% and IVOMD, 55-60%. Quality can be improved to 18%
CP and 68% IVOMD by reducing the rest period to 2 weeks, but persistence may suffer
in some environments if the rest period is less than 3 weeks over an extended period.
Alternatively, if the rest period is increased to 7 weeks or more, CP levels can fall to 7-
8% and IVOMD to 42-53%. Stargrass is most nutritious when grazed every 4-5 weeks.
Phosphorus levels in the DM of between 0.1-0.4% and calcium from 0.2-0.5% have been
recorded.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
10
Importance of Characterization
Characterization consists of recording those characters which are highly heritable,
can be easily seen by the eye and are expressed in all environments. Such characters are
rare in the out-crossing grasses, and quantitative characters of lower heritability have to
be used which are also subject to genotype and environment interaction (IBPGR, 2007).
Characterization is based on agro-morphological characters of the plants.
Standardized descriptions are used to characterize materials so that information exchange
of genetic resources is more accessible to researchers and plant breeders (Borromeo et.al.,
1994) and it is usually used as reference in exploiting new traits that is desirable and high
yield performance (Miller, 1984).
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
11
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eleven strains of stargrass were collected from different municipalities of
Benguet. They were collected in non-grazing area where forage grasses are cut and carry
(Plate 1). The stolons of stargrass were used as planting materials, and were cut one foot
from the ground level.
An experimental area of 195 m2 was prepared and divided into three blocks
representing three replications. Each block was divided into 11 plots, each measuring 1m
x 5 m (Figure 2).
The collected stolons of stargrass in each municipality were used as planting
materials and seved as treatments. Stolons were planted in a seedbed for multiplication
(Figure 1) and were grown at BSU – IPB Highland Crops Station for one month to
produce sufficient planting materials for the study. Transplanting was done at the BSU
experimental area in Balili at a planting distance of 20 cm between hills and 30 cm rows
with 15 cm depth. There were two rows per plot. The experiment was laid out following
Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications.
Characterization was based on agro-morphological characters of stargrass using
the descriptor’s list recommended for forages by USDA – ARS (2007).
The 11 strains of stargrass collected in the different municipalities of Benguet
province are as follows:
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
12
Strain
Place of Collection
SG-AT1
Atok
SG-BK2 Bakun
SG-BU3
Buguias
SG-KP4
Kapangan
SG-KB5 Kibungan
SG-IT6
Itogon
SG-LT7 La
Trinidad
SG-MK8
Mankayan
SG-SB9
Sablan
SG-TB10
Tuba
SG-TL11
Tublay
Data Gathered
A. Morphological Characters
1. Growth characters
a. Plant vigor. This was observed one month after transplanting using the
following scale:
Scale
Description Remarks
1 85-89% of the planting material low vigor
had established and vigorous
2
90-94% of the planting material moderate vigor
had established and vigorous
3
95-100% of the planting material high vigor
had established and vigorous
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
13
S1
(a) Collection from Kibungan
(b) Collection from Kapangan
© Collection from Sablan
(d) Collection from Tuba
(e) Collection from Itogon
Figure 1. Collection of strains of stargrass in five municipalities of Benguet
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
14
(a) stolons of stargrass in seedbed
(b) Stargrass after transplanting
for multiplication
(c ) Stargrass at one week after (d) Three months after transplanting
Transplanting
(e) Stargrass at four months
after transplanting
Figure 2. Overview of the eleven strains of stargrass at different stages
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
15
b. Growth habit. This was taken by describing the type of growth habit at the peak
of its vegetative stage and was recorded as prostrate, medium or erect.
c. Plant height at harvest (cm). The height of the plants at 4 months after planting
(MAT) was measured from the base of the plant up to the shoot of ten sample plants per
plot using meter stick.
2. Leaf characters
a. Green color. This was observed as the intensity of leaves’ green color at their
maximum vegetative growth by visual observation and was be recorded as light, medium,
or dark.
b. Texture. The texture was observed using the thumb and point finger and was
recorded as fine, medium, or coarse.
c. Orientation. The leaf orientation of the leaves was recorded as erect, horizontal-
erect, or horizontal.
d. Leaf size. The leaf size was observed based on the width and was classified
based in the following scale:
Scale
Size
Remarks
1
Leaves
has
0-
0.9mm
width
Small
2
Leaves
has
1-2
mm
width
Medium
3
Leaves
has
3-5
mm
width
Large
e. Length (cm). The length of the leaf was measured at maximum vegetative stage
using a ruler from the ligule to leaf tip of 10 sample plants per plot. The middle leaf was
used as sample.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
16
f. Width (cm). The width of the leaf sample used in gathering leaf length was
gathered by measured from the broadest part of the leaf using a ruler at four months after
transplanting.
g. Strength. The strength of the leaf was noted based on its ability to remain intact
and not damaged when pulled and it was recorded as weak, moderate, or strong.
3. Stem characters
a. Stem diameter (mm). This was measured using vernier caliper at the middle
portion of the stem from 10 sample plants per plot and recorded as round or flat.
b. Number of tillers. This was taken by counting the number of stem of 10 sample
plants per plot.
c. Stem texture. The texture of the stem was recorded, using thumb and point
finger and feeled it and was recorded as smooth, hairy, or coarse.
B. Forage Yield
a. Weight per plant. This was recorded as the average weight of the 10 sample
plants per plot.
b. Yield per plot (kg/5m2). This was obtained by weighing the forage yield in
kg/5m2 per plot.
c. Computed yield per hectare (t/ha). This was computed by converting the forage
yield per plot in kg/5m2 into tons per hectare using the following formula:
Yield (t/ha) = Yield (kg) 5m2 x 2
Where 2 is a factor used to convert yield in kg/5m2 to t/ha assuming one hectare
effective area.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
17
d. Dry matter content (DMC). The dry matter content of 100 g fresh samples of
each treatment was obtained using the following formula:
Moisture content (MC) = X 100
Fresh weight – oven dry weight
Fresh weight
%DMC = 100 - %MC
Data Analysis
Data gathered were analyzed following the analysis of variance for Randomized
Complete Block Design (RCBD). The significance of differences among treatment means
was determined using the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of
significance.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
18
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Plant Vigor and Height
Table 1 shows the plant vigor of 11 strains of stargrass obtained from different
municipalities of Benguet province. All strains were highly vigorous at one month after
transplanting (MAT), except for the strains from Atok and Tublay which were noted to
be moderately vigorous. All of the strains exhibited prostrate growth habit
The height of the stargrass was measured at four months MAT, just before cutting
the forage yield 9 (Figure 3). The strains from Tuba, La Trinidad and Itogon exhibited the
tallest plants, while the strain from Atok had the shortest plants (Table 1).
Leaf Characters
All the 11 strains of stargrass studied had small leaves with medium green color
and medium texture. They also exhibited horizontal- erect leaf orientation (Plate 3). The
strains from La Trinidad and Kibungan had the longest leaves while the strain from Atok
produced the shortest leaves (Table 2). The strains from Bakun produced the narrowest
leaves together with the stargrass from Tublay. On the other hand, the strain from La
Trinidad had the widest leaves which were comparable to the width of leaves of the
majority of strains studied (Table 2).
Longer and wider leaves may indicate higher forage yield than of shorter and
narrower leaves. All of the strains were noted to have moderate leaf strength.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
19
(a) SG-AT1
(b) SG-BK2
(c) SG-BU3
(Strain from Atok) (Strain from Bakun)
(Starin from Buguias)
SG- BA2
(d) SG-KP4
(e) SG-KB5
(f) SG-IT6
(Strain from Kapangan)
(Strain from Kibungan)
(Strain from Itogon)
R2S1
(g) SG-LT7
(h) SG-MK8
(i) SG-SB9
(Strain from La Trinidad) (Strain from Mankayan)
(Strain from Sablan)
(j) SG-TB10
(k) SG-TL11
(Strain from Tuba)
(Strain from Tublay)
Figure 3. Overview of the eleven strains of stargrass
SG – IT6
SG – LT7
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
SG – MK8
20
Table 1. Plant vigor at one MAT and height at 4 MAT of the eleven strains of stargrass
STRAIN
PLANT VIGOR1
PLANT HEIGHT (cm)
SG-AT1 2.33b 31.37c
SG-BK2 3.00a 43.98c
SG-BU3 3.00a 44.83c
SG-KP4 3.00a 43.27c
SG-KB5 3.00a 51.90b
SG-IT6 3.00a 58.46a
SG-LT7 3.00a 58.61a
SG-MK8 3.00a 40.63d
SG-SB9 3.00a 52.11b
SG-TB10
3.00a 59.10a
SG-TL11 2.66ab 38.46d
CV (%)
8.24
3.00
Means of the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level of significance using
DMRT.
1Plant vigor: 1 – low vigor, 2 – moderate vigor, 3 – high vigor
Stem Characteristics
The eleven strains of stargrass collected had round stem and smooth texture.
Significant differences in stem diameter were noted among the 11 strains of stargrass that
were grown under La Trinidad condition (Table 3). The strains from Sablan and La
Trinidad had the highest stem diameter while strain from Atok had the lowest.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
21
Table 2. Leaf length and width of the eleven strains of stargrass
STRAIN
LEAF LENGTH LEAF WIDTH
(cm)
(cm)
SG-AT1 4.52cd 0.26ab
SG-BT2 4.95bcd 0.03c
SG-BT3 5.12bcd 0.37a
SG-KT4 4.45bcd 0.37a
SG-KT5 5.77a 0.41a
SG-IT6 5.02bcd 0.39a
SG-LT7 5.95a 0.42a
SG-MT8 4.96bcd 0.36a
SG-ST9 5.38ab 0.40a
SG-T10
5.01bcd 0.27a
SG-T11 5.26abc 0.11bc
CV (%)
7.58
28.59
Means of the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level of significance using
DMRT.
Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences on tiller number produced
per plant among the 11 strains of stargrass that were grown under La Trinidad condition
(Table 3). Strains produced 15 to 18 tillers per plant, with strains from La Trinidad,
Buguias, and Kapangan having numerically more tillers per plant than the other strains.
Forage Yield
The forage yield of forage per plant is presented in Table 4. The strains from La
Trinidad and Itogon gave the highest forage yield per plant recorded in strains from
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
22
Buguias, Mankayan, kapangan and Sablan. The strain from tublay had the lowest forage
yield per plant.
The forage yield per plot and per hectare differed significantly among 11 strains
of stargrass grown under La Trinidad condition as presented in table 4. The highest
forage yields per 5m2 plot were recorded in strains from Itogon and La Trinidad while
the lowest yield was obtained in strain from Atok
Table 3. Stem diameter and number of tillers per plant of the 11 strains of stargrass
STRAIN DIAMETER
NUMBER OF TILLERS
(mm)
SG-AT1 2.08d 17a
SG-BK2 2.71abc 15a
SG-BU3 2.98abc 18a
SG-KP4 2.97abc 18a
SG-KB5 2.85abc 16a
SG-IT6 3.20ab 17a
SG-LT7 3.61a 18a
SG-MK8 2.33bcd 17a
SG-SB9 3.34a 15a
SG-TB10
3.13abc 16a
SG-TL11 2.25cd 16a
C.V. (%) 16.92 11.27
Means of the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level of signicance using
DMRT.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
23
Consequently, the highest computed forage yield per hectare was noted in the
strains from Itogon and La Trinidad and the lowest was obtained in strain from Atok. The
highest forage yield recorded in strains from Itogon and La Trinidad could be due to their
bigger and numerous tillers per plant that resulted in higher forage yield.
Table 4. Forage yield per plant, per plot and per hectare of 11 strains of stargrass
FRESH FORAGE YIELD
STRAIN
PER PLANT
PLOT
HECTARE
(g)
(kg/ 5m2)
(t/ ha)
SG-AT1 26.19bcd 3.13d 6.27d
SG-BK2 16.84cd 4.27cd 8.54cd
SG-BU3 31.68ab 5.55ab 11.10ab
SG-KP4 29.89abc 4.29bcd 8.58bcd
SG-KB5 27.44bcd 5.45bc 10.90bc
SG-IT6 31.56ab 6.76a 13.52a
SG-LT7 33.07a 6.32a 12.64a
SG-MK8 28.69abc 5.26bc 10.53bc
SG-SB9 29.18abc 5.13bcd 10.26bcd
SG-TB10
25.19cd 5.55ab 11.14ab
SG-TL11
22.44d 3.67cd 7.34cd
CV (%) 10.28 13.78 5.95
Means of the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level of significance using
DMRT.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
24
In addition, according to Paganas (2005) there is always a variation on the yield
components with regard to different varieties in bush bean and this could be done due to
interaction of varieties with the environmental condition.
Dry matter content (DMC)
The highest dry matter content was recorded in the strains from La Trinidad and
Itogon while strain from Tublay and Atok had the lowest dry matter content. Weather and
other environmental conditions, such as humidity and rainfall affect feed moisture
Table 13. Dry matter content of 11 strains of stargrass
STRAIN
DRY MATTER CONTENT
(%)
SG-AT1 22.16e
SG-BK2 27.8bbc
SG-BU3 25.36d
SG-KP4 24.2d
SG-KB5 27.83bc
SG-IT6 30.33a
SG-LT7 30.70aa
SG-MK8 27.26c
SG-SB9 24.53d
SG-TB10
28.76b
SG-TL11 22.86e
CV(%) 11.32
Means of the same letter are not significantly different at 5% level of significance using
DMRT.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
25
content. Dry matter refers to material remaining after removal of water, and the moisture
content reflects the amount of water present in the feed ingredient. The nutrients in feeds,
required by the animal for maintenance, growth, pregnancy, and lactation, are part of the
dry matter portion of the feed. The moisture content of a feed ingredient is important
because the moisture content affects the weight of the feed, but does not provide nutrient
value to the animal. Although animals do have a requirement for water, providing water
through an actual water source, instead of through feed ingredients is necessary (USDA,
2008.)
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
26
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted to evaluate the morphological characters and forage
yield of eleven strains of stargrass collected in different municipalities of Benguet and to
identify the best strain of stargrass in terms of morphology and forage yield under La
Trinidad Benguet condition.
All the strains were highly vigorous, except for the strains from Atok and Tublay
which were moderately vigorous. All of the strains exhibited prostrate growth habit. The
height of the stargrass at four months after transplanting showed that the strain from
Tuba, Itogon and Sablan exhibited significantly the tallest plants, while the strain from
Atok had the shortest plants.
All the 11 strains of stargrass that were studied had small leaves with medium
green color and medium texture and moderate strength. The strains also exhibited
horizontal- erect leaf orientation. The strains from La Trinidad and Kibungan had the
longest leaves. On the other hand, the strain from La Trinidad had the widest leaves
which were comparable to the width of leaves of majority of strains that were studied.
The strains from La Trinidad and Itogon had the highest stem diameter.
The strains from La Trinidad and Itogon produced the highest forage yield per
plant with more than 3 grams. The strains also produced the highest forage yield per 5m2
plot and per hectare. Consequently, the strains recorded also the highest DMC.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
27
Conclusion
The 11 strains of stargrass differed significantly in morphological characters and
forage yield. The strains from La Trinidad and Itogon are the best strains of stargrass in
terms of morphological characters because they were highly vigorous, produced longer
leaves, bigger stem diameter and highest forage yield per plant, per plot and per hectare
and dry matter content.
Recommendation
Based on the results of this study, the strains of stargrass from La Trinidad and
Itogon could be grown for forage production under La Trinidad condition. These strains
could be suitable in the area and could give high forage yield.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
28
LITERATURE CITED
BORROMEO, T.H., P.L. SANCHEZ, E.J. QUINTANA, and L.M. ENGLE. 1994.
Manual on Rice Genetic Resources Conservation and Gene bank Management.
Nueva Ecija. P. 22.
CTAHR (College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources). 2007. Benefits
Provided by Stargrass. University of Hawaii, Manoa. Retrieved August 14, 2008
from http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/CoverCrops/stargrass.pdf.
CTAHR (College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources). 2008.
Covercrops:Non-legume. University of Hawaii, Manoa. Retrieved August 14,
2008 from http://www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag/CoverCrops/star_grass.asp
HUMPHREYS, M.O. 2005. Molecular Breeding for the Genetic Improvement of Forage
Crops and Turf. Wageningen Academic Publishers. Australia. Pp. 19-27.
HUSTON, J. E. and W.E. PINCHAK. 2008. Range Animal Nutrition. Retrieved August
14, 2008 from http://cnrit.tamu.edu/rlem/textbook/Chapter2.htm#index1
IPBGR. 2007. Descriptors list for Forage Grass. Retrieved August 4, 2008 from
http://www.ipgr.cgiar.org/publications/HTML publications/420/ch2.htm
MAYNARD, L.A., J.K. LOOSLI, H.F. HINTS, R.G. WAGNER. 1979.17th ed. McGraw-
Hill Book Company. New York. P. 51.
MANNETJE, L.T. and R.M. JONES. 1992. Plant Resources of Southeast Asia for
Forages. Australia. Pp. 102-103.
MCDONALD, P., C.A.MORGAN, R.A.EDUARDS and J.F.D. GREENHALGH. 2002.
6th ed. Animal Nutrition. Pearson Education. New York. Pp. 66-70.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY. 2007. Forage information systems. Retrieved
August 4, 2008 from http://web1.msue.msu.edu/fis/terms.htm
MILLER, D. A. 1984. Forage Crops.Mcgraw Hill Book Company. New York. Pp. 3-8,
470-474.
MISLEVY, P. 2008. Stargrass. Retrieved August 4, 2008 from
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AG154
MISLEVY, P. and RECHCIGL. 2003. Effects of Phosphorous and Potassium on Forage
Nutritive Value and Quantity. American Society of Agronomy. Retrieved August
14, 2008 from http://agron.scijournals.org/cgi/content/full/96/5/1299
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
29
PCARRD. 2001. The Philippines Recommends for Forages. PCARRD: Laguna. P. 1.
REEVES, P.M., and H.O. HENDERSON. 1963. 5th ed. Dairy Cattle Feeding and
Management. John Wiley and Sons Inc. New York. Pp. 23-26.
ROSACIA, W. Z. 2007. Research Information Series on Ecosystems.
Vol.19. Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, DENR College 4031,
Laguna. P. 1.
TANDANG, L.L. 2006-2007. Collection, Characterization, and Feeding Value of Wild
Forage Plants in Jeju, Korea. Post Doctoral Research. Jeju, South Korea. Pp. 57-
65.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA). 2008. Dairy Animal
Manure Management. Retrieved August 4, 2008 from
http://www.extension.org/pages/Dry_Matter_Determination
WHEELER, W.A. 1950. Forage and Pasture Crops. D van Nostrand Company.Inc. New
Jersey. Pp. 67,608-615.
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
30
APPENDICES
Appendix Table 1. Plant vigor
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL
MEAN
I II III
S1 2 2 3 7
2.33
S2 3 3 3 9
3.00
S3 3 3 3 9
3.00
S4 3 3 3 9
3.00
S5 3 3 3 9
3.00
S6 3 3 3 9
3.00
S7 3 3 3 9
3.00
S8 3 3 3 9
3.00
S9 3 3 3 9
3.00
S10 3 3 3
9 3.00
S11 2 3 3
8 2.66
TOTAL
31
32
33
96
2.90
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 1.39
1.13
2.42** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 0.18
0.09
Error
20 1.15
0.05
TOTAL
32
2.72
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 8.24
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
31
Appendix Table 2. Plant height (cm) at four months after planting
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL
MEAN
I II III
S1 30.45
33.64
30.02
94.11
31.37
S2 41.73
45.92
44.31
131.96
43.98
S3 45.52
45.8
43.17
134.49
44.83
S4 43.35
43.88
42.60
129.83
43.27
S5 53.38
51.83
50.51
155.72
51.90
S6 59.43
57.27
58.68
175.38
58.46
S7 59.87
57.91
58.07
175.85
58.61
S8 42.51
38.95
40.44
121.9
40.63
S9 53.48
52.85
50.02
156.35
52.11
S10 60.42
58.29
58.60
177.31
59.10
S11 39.16
37.37
38.87
115.4
38.46
TOTAL
529.3
523.71
515.29
1568.21
47.52
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 2546.96
254.69
125.14** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 11.16
5.58
Error
20 40.70
2.03
TOTAL
32 2598.84
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 3.00
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
32
Appendix Table 3. Leaf length (cm)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1 4.48
4.51
4.58
13.57
4.52
S2 4.84
5.16
4.85
14.85
4.95
S3 5.39
4.69
5.29
15.37
5.12
S4 5.10
4.70
5.05
14.85
4.95
S5 6.10
5.75
5.46
17.31
5.77
S6 5.13
5.08
4.86
15.07
5.02
S7 6.11
5.87
5.88
17.86
5.95
S8 5.42
4.54
4.92
14.88
4.96
S9 5.51
5.64
5.01
16.16
5.38
S10 5.02
4.88
5.11
15.04
5.01
S11 5.26
5.36
5.17
15,79
5.26
TOTAL
58.39
56.18
56.18
170.75
5.17
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 6.18
0.61
4.12** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 0.003
0.001
Error
20 3.00
0.15
TOTAL
32
9.19
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 7.58
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
33
Appendix Table 4. Leaf width (cm)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1 0.04
0.35
0.40
0.79
0.26
S2 0.03
0.03
0.03
0.09
0.03
S3 0.42
0.36
0.35
1.13
0.37
S4 0.36
0.39
0.38
1.13
0.37
S5 0.41
0.42
0.41
1.23
0.41
S6 0.42
0.37
0.40
1.19
0.39
S7 0.43
0.42
0.43
1.28
0.42
S8 0.37
0.37
0.36
1.10
0.36
S9 0.42
0.39
0.40
1.21
0.40
S10 0.03
0.39
0.40 0.82
0.27
S11 0.10
0.20
0.04 0.34
0.11
TOTAL 3.03 3.84 3.6 10.31 0.31
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 0.51
0.05
6.49** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 0.02
0.01
Error
20 0.15
0.007
TOTAL
32
0.70
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 28.59
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
34
Appendix Table 5. Stem diameter (mm)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1 2.40
1.93
1.91
6.24
2.08
S2 2.90
3.14
2.10
8.14
2.71
S3 3.34
3.47
2.15
8.96
2.98
S4 3.32
3.31
2.30
8.93
2.97
S5 2.96
3.45
2.15
8.56
2.85
S6 3.90
3.83
2.39
10.12
3.37
S7 3.81
4.15
2.89
10.85
3.61
S8 2.37
2.25
2.37
6.99
2.33
S9 3.9
4.02
2.10
10.02
3.34
S10 3.40
3.55
2.45 9.40
3.13
S11 2.20
2.16
2.40 6.76
2.25
TOTAL
34.5
35.26
25.21
94.97
2.99
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 8.82
0.88
3.85** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 4.83
2.41
Error
30 4.58
0.22
TOTAL
32
18.25
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 16.92
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
35
Appendix Table 6. Number of tillers per plot
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1 16.5
18.1
15.8
50.4
16.8
S2 14.7
16.7
13.5
44.9
14.96
S3 19.1
20.5
14.5
54.1
18.03
S4 18.2
16.0
16.4
50.6
16.86
S5 12.9
18.7
15.7
47.3
15.76
S6 14.5
18.3
16.1
48.9
16.3
S7 15.8
16.4
18.0
50.2
16.73
S8 17.8
17.0
16.3
51.1
17.03
S9 16.3
15.7
13.2
45.2
15.06
S10 17.5
17.7
17.8
53.0
17.66
S11 20.8
15.2
16.5
52.5
15.06
TOTAL
184.1
190.3
173.8
548.2
16.61
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN SUM
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 32.15 3.21 0.92 ns 2.35
3.37
Block
2 12.78 6.39
Error
20 69.84 3.49
TOTAL
32 114.78
ns- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 11.27
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
36
Appendix Table 7. Forage yield per plot (5m2)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1 3.26
2.99
3.16
9.41
3.13
S2 4.24
4.38
4.20
12.82
4.27
S3 5.43
5.55
5.68
16.66
5.55
S4 4.18
4.39
4.31
12.88
4.29
S5 5.43
5.58
5.34
16.35
5.45
S6 6.89
6.80
6.59
20.28
6.76
S7 6.25
6.42
6.30
18.97
6.32
S8 5.25
5.35
5.20
15.80
5.26
S9 4.95
5.25
5.20
15.4
5.13
S10 5.53
5.26
5.58
16.67
5.55
S11 3.46
3.59
3.97
11.02
3.67
TOTAL
54.87
55.86
55.53
166.26
5.03
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
F
SUM OF
F
OF
OF
SUM OF
TABULAR
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 36.01 3.60 180** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 0.05
0.02
Error
20 0.36 0.02
TOTAL
32
36.41
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 16.92
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
37
Appendix Table 8. Forage yield (g) per plant
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1
23.44 27.92 27.23 83.95 27.98
S2 28.8
22.88
24.25
50.53
16.84
S3
31.94 30.09 33.02 95.05 31.68
S4
23.84 32.83 33.0
99.63 33.21
S5 33.8
22.68
25.84
72.36
24.12
S6 32.0
34.23
33.0
99.23
23.07
S7
28.62 27.46 30.01 86.09 28.69
S8 30.42
31.6
32.68
94.7
31.56
S9
28.43 30.81 28.31 87.55 29.18
S10 24.8
26.32
24.33
76.46
25.48
S11
22.32 21.62 23.40 67.34 22.44
TOTAL
309.48
308.44
315.07
912.89
27.66
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment
10 311.75
31.17 3.68** 2.35
3.37
Block
2 2.24
1.12
Error
20 169.30
8.46
TOTAL
32 483.29
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 10.28
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
38
Appendix Table 9. Dry matter content (%)
BLOCK
TREATMENT
TOTAL MEAN
I II III
S1 22.0
21.8
22.7
66.5
22.16
S2 28.6
26.2
28.6
83.4
27.8
S3 25.6
24.9
25.6
76.1
25.36
S4 24.0
24.7
23.9
72.66
24.22
S5 27.8
28.3
27.4
83.5
27.83
S6 29.2
30.0
31.8
91
30.33
S7 31.6
30.9
29.6
92.1
30.7
S8 27.0
26.9
27.9
81.8
27.26
S9 24.3
24.4
24.9
73.6
24.53
S10 29.0
28.9
28.4
86.3
28.76
S11 22.7
23.0
22.9
68.6
22.86
TOTAL
291.8
290.0
293.7
875.5
26.53
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
SOURCES
DEGREE
MEAN
SUM OF
F
F TABULAR
OF
OF
SUM OF
SQUARES
COMPUTED
VARIATION FREEDOM
SQUARE
0.05 0.01
Treatment 10 251.8
25.18
43.98** 2.35
3.37
Block 2
10.62
0.31
Error 20
11.45
0.57
TOTAL 32 263.88
**- highly significant Coefficient of Variation = 0.17
Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon
nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province / Gina M. Bosoy. 2009
Document Outline
- Morphological Characters and Forage Yield of
Eleven Strains of Stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis V.) in Benguet Province
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- MATERIALS AND METHODS
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
- LITERATURE CITED
- APPENDICES