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Elephant grass

Elephant grass, scientifically known as Cenchrus purpureus (synonym Pennisetum purpureum), is a robust, rhizomatous perennial grass native to the tropical grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa, distinguished by its tall, tufted growth habit that can reach heights of 4 to 7 meters with erect culms, long broad leaves up to 120 cm in length and 5 cm wide, and a bristly cylindrical inflorescence 15 to 20 cm long.^[1]^[2]^[3] Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands, elephant grass thrives in warm climates with temperatures between 25°C and 40°C, annual rainfall exceeding 1,500 mm, and a wide soil pH range of 4.5 to 8.2, though it exhibits tolerance to drought and marginal lands once established.^[1]^[2]^[4] Its rapid growth—capable of reaching 4 meters in just three months—makes it a C4 photosynthetic plant ideal for high biomass production, with yields of 20 to 80 tons of dry matter per hectare per year under fertilized conditions.^[1]^[4] Primarily valued as a forage crop for livestock such as cattle and buffaloes, elephant grass is harvested for grazing, cut-and-carry systems, silage, and hay, providing nutritious fodder that supports dairy and meat production in tropical agriculture.^[1]^[2]^[4] Beyond animal feed, it serves as a second-generation biofuel feedstock in regions like the United States due to its high energy content and multiple annual harvests, while also aiding soil erosion control, weed suppression, and as a trap crop for pests like maize stemborers in integrated pest management, and recent innovations include its use in low-CO₂ construction materials and optimized biogas feedstocks as of 2025.^[1]^[2]^[4]^[5]^[6] Additional applications include thatching, mulching, fencing, paper production, and even human consumption of young shoots in some African communities.^[1]^[4] However, its vigorous vegetative reproduction via rhizomes and stem cuttings, combined with seed production, has led to invasive tendencies in disturbed habitats such as wetlands, pastures, and waterways, where it forms dense stands that outcompete native vegetation and disrupt ecosystems, earning it designations like Florida's Category 1 invasive species.^[2]^[3] Hybrids with related species like pearl millet have been developed to enhance traits such as yield and disease resistance, addressing challenges like head smut and stunt diseases that can cause significant yield losses of 26% to 90%.^[1]^[4]^[7]

Taxonomy and nomenclature

Classification

Elephant grass is classified within the kingdom Plantae, phylum Tracheophyta, class Liliopsida, order Poales, family Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae, and subtribe Cenchrinae.^[8] It belongs to the genus Cenchrus L., with the accepted species name Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone.^[8] This perennial tropical grass is distinguished by its robust growth habit and is native to sub-Saharan Africa.^[9] The species was originally described as Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. in 1827, based on specimens from Guinea.^[10] A major taxonomic revision in 2010 unified the genera Pennisetum, Cenchrus, and Odontelytrum into a single genus Cenchrus, which has nomenclatural priority, transferring P. purpureum to C. purpureus.^[11] This change was supported by phylogenetic analyses combining nuclear, plastid, and morphological data, revealing that species traditionally in Pennisetum were nested within Cenchrus.^[11] As of 2025, Cenchrus purpureus remains the accepted name in major botanical databases, reflecting ongoing refinements in grass taxonomy.^[8] Within the genus Cenchrus, elephant grass is closely related to species like Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone, formerly Pennisetum glaucum, known as pearl millet, which differs primarily in its annual habit and smaller stature compared to the perennial C. purpureus. Hybrids between C. purpureus and C. americanus, such as Napier grass hybrids, are common in cultivation for forage and biofuel, highlighting their shared genetic affinities in subtribe Cenchrinae.^[9] The primary synonym Pennisetum purpureum underscores the historical variability in classification before the 2010 unification.^[8]

Etymology and common names

The scientific name Pennisetum purpureum derives from Latin and Greek roots, with the genus Pennisetum combining penna (feather or plume) and seta (bristle), referring to the feathery bristles subtending the spikelets in its inflorescence.^[12]^[13] The specific epithet purpureum is Latin for "purple," alluding to the often purplish hue of the flower heads.^[12] The common English name "elephant grass" originates from its prominence as a primary forage for elephants in West African forests, where it forms a significant part of their diet due to its abundance and height.^[2]^[14] This name highlights its native African context, though it is also known regionally as Napier grass in English-speaking areas, a term possibly linked to its introduction as a fodder crop in colonial-era agriculture.^[1] Other widespread English variants include Uganda grass, reflecting its origins in East African grasslands, Merker grass (after a selected variety), and bana grass.^[1]^[15] In indigenous African languages, the grass has diverse names tied to local uses and appearances. For instance, in Zulu (South Africa), it is called umfufu or mfufu, emphasizing its fodder value, while in Swahili (East Africa), it is known as mabingobingo.^[15]^[16] Additional regional terms include senjele in Nyanja (Malawi and Zambia) and olifantsgras in Afrikaans (Southern Africa), the latter translating directly to "elephant grass."^[15] These variations underscore its cultural significance across sub-Saharan Africa as a versatile forage and thatching material.^[15]

Description

Morphology

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), also known as Napier grass, is a robust, rhizomatous, tufted perennial grass that forms dense clumps up to 1 meter in diameter, exhibiting a clumping habit through tillering from the base.^[1] Its overall form supports vigorous vegetative growth, with culms emerging from short, creeping rhizomes. The stems, or culms, are coarse and perennial, reaching heights of 2 to 8 meters, with diameters up to 2.5 cm; they are typically hollow, featuring distinct nodes and surrounding leaf sheaths, and may branch above the midpoint.^[1] Leaves arise alternately from the nodes, with flat, linear blades measuring 100 to 120 cm in length and 1 to 5 cm in width, often displaying a bluish-green color and finely toothed margins with a prominent midrib; they are hairy at the base and may show purple tinges, particularly in younger growth, consistent with the species epithet purpureum.^[1] A membranous ligule and small auricles are present at the leaf-sheath junction, typical of poaceous plants.^[1] The root system is fibrous and extensive, developing from nodes of the creeping stolons and capable of penetrating up to 4.5 meters deep, which contributes to drought tolerance and soil stabilization.^[17]^[1] The inflorescence is a compact, erect, cylindrical spike or tassel, 8 to 30 cm long and 1.5 to 3 cm wide, terminal on the culms, with a tawny or purplish hue; it consists of spikelets 4 to 6 mm long, each surrounded by 2 cm plumose bristles for wind dispersal.^[1]

Growth and reproduction

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), a robust perennial C4 grass, exhibits rapid vegetative propagation primarily through underground rhizomes and above-ground tillers, enabling dense stand formation and quick regrowth after disturbance.^[3] This perennial nature allows for sustained productivity in tropical and subtropical environments, though plants enter seasonal dormancy during prolonged dry periods or when temperatures drop below 15°C, halting growth until favorable conditions resume.^[14] Under optimal moisture and temperature regimes (daytime around 33°C and nighttime 28°C), stems can reach heights of 3–5 meters, with tiller populations expanding dynamically.^[18] Reproduction in elephant grass occurs mainly asexually through stem cuttings, root crown divisions, or rhizome fragments, which facilitate clonal spread and are the preferred method for establishing new stands due to their reliability.^[3] Sexual reproduction involves wind-pollinated flowers arranged in cylindrical, bristly inflorescences 8 to 30 cm long, but it is less common due to self-incompatibility leading to low seed set.^[19]^[1] Flowering is typically triggered by short day lengths of 11 hours or less, often in combination with environmental stresses like drought or nutrient limitation, though viable seed production remains sporadic and is rarely utilized in practice.^[19]^[20] Individual stands of elephant grass maintain vigor for 3–5 years under repeated harvesting, after which replanting is recommended to counteract declining productivity from tiller aging and disease accumulation.^[21] This lifespan supports long-term cultivation cycles while aligning with its perennial growth strategy, where rhizomatous spread contributes to stand persistence beyond initial establishment.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

Native range

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), also known as Napier grass, is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, spanning from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east, and extending southward to Zimbabwe.^[22]^[10] This distribution includes a broad swath of sub-Saharan countries such as Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, where it occurs naturally in diverse ecosystems.^[10]^[1] In its native habitats, elephant grass thrives in open savannas, along riverbanks, and in wetlands, floodplains, and swampy areas, often colonizing moist, disturbed sites near forest edges.^[1]^[23] It is commonly found at elevations from sea level up to 2,000 meters, favoring well-drained environments that support its robust growth.^[1] The species prefers warm climates with average temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, though it can tolerate up to 40°C, and requires annual rainfall of 1,000 to 2,000 mm for optimal development, ceasing growth below 15°C and showing sensitivity to frost.^[1] It adapts to a variety of soil types, including loamy and sandy soils, with a pH range of 4.5 to 8.2, but performs best on deep, friable loams that retain moisture without waterlogging.^[1] Historical records from pre-colonial African ecosystems indicate elephant grass's long-standing presence as a component of natural grasslands and riparian zones, documented in early botanical surveys across the continent.

Introduced and cultivated areas

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), native to sub-Saharan Africa, was first introduced to India and Southeast Asia in the early 20th century as a forage crop to support expanding colonial agriculture and livestock systems in tropical regions.^[1] Its spread accelerated in the early 20th century, with introductions to the Americas beginning around 1913 in the United States for similar agricultural purposes, followed by widespread planting in Central and South America, including Brazil, during the 1950s.^[2]^[24] These early dispersals were driven by colonial efforts to establish resilient fodder sources in new territories, leveraging the grass's rapid growth and adaptability.^[2] Today, elephant grass is cultivated extensively across tropical and subtropical zones worldwide, including major areas in Asia such as India and China, where it supports large-scale farming on marginal lands.^[2] In the Americas, it thrives in Brazil and Colombia, contributing to regional agricultural diversity, while in Oceania, Australia has integrated it into subtropical forage systems since the 1960s.^[2]^[1] The grass's global expansion continues, fueled by modern biofuel programs that promote its high biomass yield for sustainable energy production, particularly in response to climate challenges.^[6] Due to its potential invasiveness, introductions of elephant grass are subject to strict quarantine and regulatory controls in non-native regions to prevent unintended ecological spread.^[2] In the United States, for instance, it is listed as invasive in Florida, prompting oversight under the Plant Protection Act to ensure controlled propagation and limit escape from cultivation sites.^[25] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has also excluded it from certain biofuel pathways due to risks of establishment in wild areas, emphasizing monitored planting practices.

Ecology

Interactions with wildlife

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) serves as a vital forage source for large wild herbivores in its native African savannas, where it constitutes a component of the diet for species such as African elephants (Loxodonta africana) and various antelopes.^[26] These animals rely on its abundant biomass during the growing season, contributing to nutrient cycling as uneaten portions decompose and enrich the soil.^[27] Within savanna food webs, elephant grass plays a foundational role by supporting diverse invertebrate communities, including insects that feed on its leaves and stems, which in turn serve as prey for birds and small mammals.^[28] Its tall, dense growth form enhances habitat complexity in grassland ecosystems.^[1] Although primarily wind-pollinated, the grass's inflorescences may interact minimally with insects. Elephant grass forms symbiotic associations with beneficial microorganisms that enhance its resilience and productivity. Endophytic bacteria, including nitrogen-fixing diazotrophs such as Azospirillum and Herbaspirillum species, colonize its roots and stems, promoting plant growth by converting atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms and improving tolerance to environmental stresses like salinity.^[29]^[30] Additionally, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi establish mutualistic relationships with its root systems, facilitating phosphorus uptake in nutrient-poor soils typical of savanna habitats.^[31] Regarding predation and browsing, elephant grass exhibits notable resistance to herbivory due to its high silica (SiO₂) content, which can reach up to 4-5% in leaf blades and acts as a physical deterrent by abrading herbivore mouthparts and reducing forage digestibility.^[32]^[33] This defense mechanism limits excessive consumption by smaller grazers while allowing selective browsing by larger herbivores adapted to tough vegetation. Following grazing, the plant demonstrates robust recovery through rapid tillering from basal nodes, often regrowing to full height within 6-9 weeks under favorable conditions, thereby maintaining its ecological dominance.^[1]^[34]

Environmental impacts

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), also known as Napier grass, exhibits invasive tendencies in introduced tropical and subtropical regions, where it forms dense monocultures that displace native vegetation and alter ecosystem dynamics. In Florida, it is classified as a Category I invasive species by the Florida Invasive Species Council, aggressively colonizing disturbed wetlands, canals, and floodplains, where its rapid growth blocks water flow and reduces habitat for native plants.^[35] For instance, in areas like the edges of the Everglades and Biscayne National Park, it outcompetes endemic species in swampy habitats, leading to decreased biodiversity and interference with hydrological systems. Similarly, in Hawaii, it establishes thick stands that prevent regeneration of other plants through vegetative reproduction via rhizomes and seeds. While widely cultivated in Southeast Asia for forage and bioenergy, it has naturalized across the region and is considered invasive in some areas such as Thailand and Brunei, with potential to spread in disturbed habitats.^[2]^[36] Regarding soil and water interactions, elephant grass provides notable benefits for erosion control owing to its extensive root system, which stabilizes slopes and riverbanks in tropical environments. Studies in East Africa and Nigeria demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing soil loss when planted in hedgerows or strips, with root reinforcement increasing shear strength and infiltration rates to minimize runoff during heavy rains. However, in wetland settings, its proliferation can disrupt hydrology by increasing evapotranspiration and altering water cycles, potentially contributing to localized depletion in water-scarce areas when grown in large monocultures. This dual role underscores the need for managed planting to harness erosion prevention without exacerbating water stress. Elephant grass contributes positively to carbon sequestration through its high biomass production, absorbing 40-100 tons of CO₂ per hectare annually under favorable conditions, with a portion stored in belowground roots, making it a viable option for carbon-negative bioenergy systems.^[37] Additionally, it plays a role in phytoremediation, accumulating heavy metals such as copper, zinc, and manganese from contaminated soils.^[39]^[40] On biodiversity, elephant grass competes vigorously with endemic species, shading out understory plants and modifying nutrient cycling, which can lead to homogenized habitats and reduced species diversity in invaded areas. In savanna and wetland ecosystems, its dense growth and fire tolerance—allowing rapid post-fire recovery—alter fire regimes by providing continuous fuel loads that promote more frequent and intense burns, potentially shifting native communities toward grass-dominated states.^[2] Mitigation strategies include targeted herbicide applications like glyphosate or imazapyr during active growth phases, combined with mechanical removal and replanting of native species to restore balance, as implemented in Florida restoration efforts.

Cultivation

Requirements and practices

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), also known as Napier grass, thrives in fertile, well-drained soils such as deep loams, though it can adapt to a range of soil types including sandy and clay soils. It prefers a soil pH between 4.5 and 8.2, with optimal growth in slightly acidic to neutral conditions around 5.5 to 7.5. The plant is tolerant to drought due to its deep root system but requires well-drained sites to avoid waterlogging, as prolonged flooding can reduce yields. It performs best in warm, tropical climates with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C and annual rainfall exceeding 1,500 mm, though it can endure short dry spells and grows poorly below 15°C or in frost-prone areas.^[1]^[2]^[1] Propagation is primarily through vegetative means using stem cuttings from 3- to 4-month-old plants, each containing at least three nodes and measuring 30-40 cm in length, with two nodes buried during planting. Cuttings should be planted at the onset of the rainy season in rows spaced 50-200 cm apart and 50-100 cm within rows to allow for tillering and machinery access. Initial fertilization is essential for establishment, with recommendations including 150 kg/ha nitrogen (N), 50 kg/ha phosphorus (P), and 40 kg/ha potassium (K), applied basally with half the nitrogen dose at planting and the remainder split after the first harvest. Organic alternatives like manure can supplement inorganic inputs at 10-20 tons/ha before planting.^[1]^[41]^[42] Maintenance involves supplemental irrigation during dry periods to maintain soil moisture, especially in the first year, aiming for 750-1,000 mm of water annually if rainfall is insufficient. Weeding is critical in the early growth stages to reduce competition, often achieved through manual removal or mulching, and can be minimized by intercropping with legumes. Harvesting typically begins 3-4 months after planting at a height of 1-1.2 m, followed by regrowth cuts every 6-8 weeks (or 45-90 days) depending on climate and soil fertility, leaving 5-10 cm stubble to promote rapid regrowth. Crop rotation or intercropping with legumes every 3-5 years helps prevent nutrient depletion and pest buildup, enhancing long-term productivity.^[1]^[43]^[44] Key challenges include susceptibility to diseases like head smut caused by Ustilago kamerunensis, which produces black spore masses on inflorescences and spreads via contaminated cuttings, potentially reducing yields by 25% to 46%. Napier grass stunt disease, caused by a phytoplasma and transmitted by leafhoppers, can cause up to 100% yield loss in severe cases. Pests such as armyworms (Spodoptera spp.) can defoliate young plants, causing significant damage during outbreaks. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices emphasize using disease-free planting material, resistant hybrids, cultural controls like timely harvesting and rotation, and biological agents such as predatory insects, reducing reliance on chemical fungicides and insecticides.^[1]^[45]^[4]^[46]^[47]

Varieties and hybrids

Elephant grass, scientifically known as Pennisetum purpureum (synonym Cenchrus purpureus), encompasses several cultivars selected for enhanced forage production, with the original Napier variety serving as the foundational type. This tall-growing form, originating from sub-Saharan Africa, typically reaches heights of 3-5 meters and yields 40-60 tons of dry matter per hectare annually under optimal conditions, making it a staple for tropical livestock feeding.^[1] The French variety, developed in Cameroon during the early 1970s, includes Clone 13, a semi-dwarf cultivar bred for resistance to head smut disease (Ustilago kamerunensis), achieving heights around 2-3 meters while maintaining high biomass output suitable for intensive grazing.^[48] Taiwanese cultivars, such as Taiwan Napier, emphasize high productivity and adaptability, often producing over 100 tons of fresh biomass per hectare in subtropical environments, with improved leaf-to-stem ratios for better nutritional quality.^[49] Hybrids between elephant grass and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) have been developed to combine the perennial nature and high yield of elephant grass with the drought tolerance and seed production of pearl millet. Notable examples include Bana grass, a sterile hybrid reaching 3-4 meters in height, valued for its resilience in semi-arid regions and yields up to 50 tons of dry matter per hectare, reducing vulnerability to water stress.^[50] The Merkeron cultivar, a dwarf cultivar introduced in 1955 at the University of Georgia's Tifton Station, stands at 1.5-2 meters and is particularly suited for bioenergy applications due to its dense biomass and ease of harvesting, with annual yields around 30-40 tons per hectare.^[1] Breeding efforts for elephant grass varieties and hybrids began in the early 20th century, primarily in Africa and India, focusing on conventional selection to boost yield and disease resistance amid expanding cultivation for fodder. In East Africa, programs at institutions like the International Livestock Research Institute have released varieties such as Kakamega 1 and 2 since the 1990s, while Indian research centers developed hybrids like Pennisetum hybrids CO 1 through CO 4 in the mid-20th century for local adaptability.^[51] Selection criteria in elephant grass breeding prioritize disease tolerance, such as resistance to smut and rust fungi, alongside nutritional value through higher protein content (10-15%) and digestibility. Adaptability to poor soils, including marginal lands with low fertility, is emphasized, with hybrids often screened for rhizome vigor and tillering capacity to ensure establishment in diverse agroecologies.^[1] These traits are assessed via multi-location trials, favoring cultivars that maintain yields above 40 tons per hectare without intensive inputs.^[52]

Uses

Fodder and forage

Elephant grass is prized as a fodder crop for its robust nutritional profile, which supports ruminant and other herbivore diets in tropical agriculture. On a dry matter (DM) basis, it typically contains 8-12% crude protein, with young regrowth offering up to 21% that declines to under 4% at maturity, alongside 30-40% crude fiber that aids rumen function but can limit intake if excessive. Energy content provides approximately 8.2 MJ/kg DM in metabolizable energy for ruminants, while organic matter digestibility averages 61%, dropping with advancing plant age due to lignification. Minerals like calcium (0.24-0.31%) further contribute to its value as a balanced roughage source.^[1]^[53]^[54] Feeding practices emphasize flexibility, with elephant grass supplied fresh through cut-and-carry methods in zero-grazing systems, or conserved as silage or hay to preserve nutrients during dry seasons. It suits cattle, goats, and even zoo elephants, where it replicates natural forage; chopping enhances palatability and reduces waste. Diets often require supplementation with legumes or concentrates to offset protein shortfalls and boost overall digestibility, particularly for lactating dairy animals. Harvesting every 30-60 days from cultivation maintains peak nutritional quality.^[1]^[55]^[56] Key advantages include its high yield of 20-80 tons DM per hectare annually under optimal fertilization, enabling multiple harvests and efficient land utilization for forage production. This scalability reduces feed costs while providing ample bulk, though maturity management is essential to prevent digestibility losses. In ruminant nutrition, blending elephant grass with tropical legumes enhances fermentation and significantly reduces enteric methane emissions via condensed tannins, as shown in 2025 in vitro studies.^[1]^[57] Global adoption is prominent in dairy farming, especially in India and Brazil, where it drives milk yields and supports smallholder livelihoods. In India, cooperatives like Amul integrate it as a protein-rich (6-9%) staple, improving cattle health and farm incomes. Brazilian systems leverage it for both grazing and silage in intensive cattle operations, capitalizing on its productivity. By 2025, research underscores its potential in low-methane diets, aligning with sustainable livestock goals.^[58]^[59]^[56]

Bioenergy and industrial applications

Elephant grass serves as a promising feedstock for biofuel production due to its high biomass productivity and lignocellulosic composition. In bioethanol production, the grass undergoes pretreatment such as steam explosion, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, yielding approximately 300-400 liters of ethanol per ton of dry biomass. Anaerobic digestion of elephant grass biomass or its byproducts, like extracted broth, produces biogas, with studies showing enhanced yields when co-digested with animal manure, reaching up to 40% higher biogas output compared to mono-digestion. These processes leverage the grass's cellulose and hemicellulose content to convert structural carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. Beyond fuels, elephant grass is utilized in bioproduct manufacturing. Its pulp, obtained via kraft pulping, achieves screened yields of about 48% with good bleachability, making it suitable for printing and writing paper production, though high ash content requires optimization. The cellulose content ranges from 35-45%, supporting its viability as a non-woody fiber source. Additionally, pyrolysis of elephant grass generates biochar at yields of around 14% by weight, featuring high porosity (surface area up to 475 m²/g) that enhances soil amendment by improving nutrient retention and structure in degraded lands. The energy potential of elephant grass is underscored by its lower heating value of 16-18 MJ/kg, comparable to sugarcane straw and superior to rice husk, enabling efficient direct combustion or conversion. In Brazil, elephant grass biorefineries integrating second-generation ethanol production with power generation have demonstrated economic feasibility, with net present values exceeding $90 million over 20 years under hybrid supply models. Recent advancements, including 2025 evaluations of genotypes like T_47.1 for optimized lignocellulosic energy yields up to 4300 kcal/kg and tailored enzyme cocktails achieving 76% saccharification efficiency, highlight progress in enhancing breakdown and conversion rates for bioenergy applications.

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[PDF] The use of endophytes and mycorrhizae in switchgrass biomass ...
Mar 20, 2017 · Diazotrophs, or atmospheric nitrogen-fixing bacteria have been isolated from bioenergy crops, including Miscanthusspp. and Pennisetum purpureum,.
[34]
Harnessing Green Helpers: Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria and Other ...
Jun 11, 2024 · Beneficial microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria, form symbiotic relationships with plants, providing essential nutrients, promoting growth, and ...
[35]
Oxalate and silica contents of seven varieties of Napier grass ...
Aug 6, 2025 · The aim of this study was to compare the total silica and oxalate contents of seven varieties of Napier grass to find out which is best for cultivation.
[36]
A Novel Mechanism by which Silica Defends Grasses Against ... - NIH
Aug 11, 2008 · Previous studies have shown that silica in grass leaves defends them against small herbivores, which avoid high-silica grasses and digest them
[37]
[PDF] Studies of Napier Grass: III. Grazing Management - ScholarSpace
In both of the above two treatments, the original plant crop was allowed to stand indefinitely during the 6 years of grazing during which time the paddocks.
[38]
Nutrient Management :: Cumbu - Napier Hybrids
If soil testing is not done, follow the blanket recommendations of 150:50:40 of NPK in kg/ha. Apply full dose of P,K and 50% N basally before planting.Missing: initial | Show results with:initial
[39]
Guide to Plant, Harvest and Feed the Super Napier
After watering, put the stem in the bars at 60 cm intervals. When planting the seeds, tighten the soil to lighten the soil. This will incluces germination ...
[40]
[PDF] Napier/elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus and hybrids ... - CGSpace
Harvesting: cut at 5 cm 6–8 times per year depending on precipitation and irrigation, or every three months at higher altitudes. Performance: varies ...
[41]
https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/agriculture/agri_nutrientmgt_cumbunapier.html
[42]
Pests, diseases and weeds of Napier grass, Pennisetum purpureum
Aug 7, 2025 · Citation: Getiso Napier grass become ready for harvesting within 3-4 months after planting and harvesting can continue at an interval of 6-8 ...Missing: triggers | Show results with:triggers
[43]
[PDF] Napier Grass Improvement Using Molecular Genetics
Apr 13, 2017 · Plant breeding and selection in Napier grass has primarily been aimed at improving different agronomic traits such as disease resistance, yield, ...
[44]
Taiwan Napier Nutritional Content | UKEssays.com
May 24, 2018 · Pennisetum purpureum particularly Taiwan Napier or elephant grass is a perennial forage crop with high growth rate, high productivity, good ...
[45]
Bana Grass | Twin Falls Nursery
NZ$12.00Bana Grass is a hybrid cross between Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and Pearl Millet (Pennisetum americanum). It is clump forming and grows 3-4m tall ...
[46]
Improving elephant grass: The most widely grown forage in East Africa
Aug 12, 2021 · Elephant grass (also commonly known as Napier grass) has been so popular with livestock farmers in East Africa that it has become the most widely grown forage ...
[47]
Improving elephant grass: The most widely grown forage in East Africa
Aug 12, 2021 · Researchers knew they had to do something, so they set to work selecting elephant grass varieties that were resistant to the disease. They ...Missing: GMO pest
[48]
[PDF] high yielding and disease resistant elephant grass ... - UKnowledge
The purpose of this study was to introduce and evaluate high yielding Elephantgrass varieties that are resistant/tolerant to fungal diseases. Material and ...
[49]
[PDF] Forage Production and Nutrient Content of Different Elephant Grass ...
Sep 1, 2023 · As animal feed, elephant grass contains high nutritional values comprising CP 13%-14%, CF 30%-32%, and Ca 0.24%-0.31%.
[50]
The impact of replacing corn with elephant grass (Pennisetum ...
Apr 30, 2024 · The harvest of elephant grass is usually carried out when the plant height reaches 1.2 m. Use a sickle to harvest, leaving about 15 cm of stem ...Missing: rotation practices
[51]
How We Keep the Elephant Herd Well Nourished All Year Round
Aug 20, 2021 · Commonly referred to as “elephant grass”, bana grass provides a good source of nutrition, including protein and fibre. The farm-to-fork concept ...Missing: zoo | Show results with:zoo
[52]
[PDF] Elephantgrass, a tropical grass for cutting and grazing
Cenchrus purpureus) is one of the most important forage plants worldwide, cultivated in almost all tropical and subtropical regions due to its high potential ...
[53]
Chemical composition, in vitro rumen profile and methane emission ...
Sep 16, 2025 · The study concluded that incorporating tropical legumes, in both fermented and non-fermented forms, into elephant grass can improve ...
[54]
Why Napier Grass Is Emerging as India's Top Energy Crop - Agritimes
Jul 15, 2025 · Fodder for Dairy & Goat Farming Co-operatives like Amul, Nandini, and MILMA use Napier silage extensively. Napier's protein-rich leaves (6–9 ...
[55]
Poverty-fighting 'elephant' boosts farmers in India - CSMonitor.com
May 6, 2013 · The grass has proven a cheap and nutritious fodder for Narsimha's cattle, dramatically boosting milk production and helping him and other ...