Agronomic performance of eastern gamagrass cultivars and experimental germplasm grown on the southern plains

Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L. [Poaceae]), evaluated for forage yield, quality, and seed production in the southern plains region of the US, produced between 13,417 and 18,015 kg/ha (11,979 and 16,084 lb/ac) dry matter when harvested 3 times per year without supplemental irrigation in 2008 and 2009. In this study, 4 cultivars and 3 experimental populations were evaluated. Seed yield collected in 2010 ranged from 181 to 436 kg/ha (162 to 389 lb/ac) with significant differences among entries. Crude protein did not differ significantly between entries and ranged from 1720 to 2002 kg/ha (1536 to 1788 lb/ac). Digestibility ranged from 7543 to 9670 kg/ha (6735 to 8634 lb/ac) with only one entry significantly less digestible. The knowledge provided herein about improved cultivars along with local knowledge from other growers in your region who have established and maintained eastern gamagrass stands will be useful when selecting a cultivar.