NAPIER GRASS (ELEPHANT GRASS) VARIETY

Elephant Grass, Napier Grass or Uganda Grass is a species native to the tropical grasslands of Africa. It has a very high productivity, both as a forage grass for livestock and as a biofuel crop. The name Elephant grass derives from it being a favourite food of elephants. It is most susceptible to frost. The elephant grass grows well at sea level and upto 2000 m and grows best in high-rainfall areas (in excess of 1500 mm/year), but its deep root system allows it to survive in drought times. It provides good hay if cut at early stage. It is usually made into silage of high quality without additives.

Botanical Name : Pennisetum purpureum Schumach

Family : Poaceae (alt. Gramineae)

Subfamily : Panicoideae

Tribe : Paniceae

Pusa Giant Napier: This variety was developed by IARI, New Delhi. It provides high yield (250–300 t/ha/year) of green matter under irrigated condition. It contains 25% and 12% more protein and sugar respectively than common napier grass. It is less fibrous, juicy and palatable. It is susceptible to Helminthosporium sp.