Genotypic differences in growth and biomass production in selected Stylosanthes species

Twenty promising genotypes of Stylosanthes belonging to S. hamata, S. scabra, S. seabrana and S. viscosa were studied for their growth and biomass production under semi arid conditions. S. scabra cv. seca attained maximum plant height followed by S. seabrana 110372 whereas minimum in S. hamata 110135. Maximum root length was recorded in S. seabrana 110372 being minimum in S. hamata 110135. The leaf length varied from 1.95 cm (S. viscosa) to 3.10 cm in (S. hamata 110123). Similarly the variation in leaf width ranged from 0.5 cm. (S. hamata 110135) to 1.20 cm (S. scabra RRR 94–97). The leaf area ranged from 2.220 cm² (S. seabrana 2523) to 3.873 cm² (S. scabra q 10042). The specific leaf weight (SLW) varies from 4.86 mg/cm² to 9.44 mg/cm² in different genotypes. However, maximum specific leaf weight was recorded in S. scabra RRR 94–100 followed by S. scabra q 10042, S. seabrana 2539 and lowest SLW in S. hamata 110123. Maximum fresh and dry biomass production was observed in S. scabra RRR 94–100 followed by S. scabra q 10042 and minimum in S. hamata 110123. On the basis of growth performance, S. scabra RRR 94–100, S. seabrana 110372 and S. hamata 110123 have been considered as high biomass producing genotypes under semi arid conditions.