George Thomas, TPraveen, AKAU2019-06-132019-06-132007172746http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810108318PGPotha grass (Themeda cymbaria (Roxb.) Hack.) is a native fodder grass grown in parts of central Kerala. The present investigation was undertaken to have an understanding on the phenology, growth characteristics, fodder production potential and nutritive quality of T.cymbaria. Comparisons were made with Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) cv. Makueni. The experiments were conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm of College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University Vellanikkara during 2006– 2007. The phenological and growth characteristics were noted during the year 2006-07. P.maximum started flowering at the beginning of January and continued up to July 2007. It took one month from flowering to seed maturity. However, no phenological events related to flowering were observed in T.cymbaria during the experimental period. Growth was comparatively fast in P.maximum than T.cymbaria. Plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf weight, stem weight and dry matter production per plant were the highest in P.maximum during all the growth stages. Similarly, growth indices like leaf area ratio (LAR), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area duration (LAD), relative growth rate (RGR), absolute growth rate (AGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) showed higher values in P.maximum than T.cymbaria. However, the value of leaf weight ratio (LWR) was higher in T.cymbaria than P.maximum. Both grasses showed a decline in growth during summer season. However, with the onset of monsoon, both grasses performed well. The fodder production potential of T.cymbaria was compared with Guinea grass cv. Makueni under irrigated and rainfed conditions by harvesting the herbage at 30, 45, and 60 days intervals. Growth characters like plant height, number of leaves, leaf weight, stem weight and leaf area index (LAI) were found to be higher in P.maximum than T.cymbaria. The green and dry fodder yields at the end of the experimental period of 10 months from planting indicated a clear yield advantage for Guinea grass over Potha grass. Between irrigated and rainfed grasses, although there were yield differences at some stages of cutting, total yields showed no significant difference. The highest green and dry fodder yields were recorded in irrigated Guinea grass. Regarding cutting intervals, 45 days cutting interval performed better compared to 30 and 60 days intervals. From yield point of view, Poth grass may not be comparable with Guinea grass. However, Potha grass could be recommended as a soil conservation grass as it did not show any flowering and seed formation. Growth during the dry period was also normal. It could be an ideal alternative as a soil conservation grass for farmers who also rear livestock, instead of the usually recommended non-edible Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides). Nutrient aspects like crude protein, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, ash, phosphorus, magnesium, and oxalate contents of both grasses were found to be similar under irrigated and rainfed conditions at different cutting intervals. However, crude fibre content was higher in Potha grass, while potassium and calcium contents were higher in Guinea grass. From nutrient point of view, there is hardly any difference between the two grasses. Potha grass can replace Guinea grass in feeding with the same quality.ennullThesis