Growth and biomass production in tropical range grasses and legumes under light stress environment

Selected tropical range grasses and legumes grown under different light intensities in rainfed semi-arid situation were evaluated for growth and biomass production. Plant height increased with decreasing light intensities being maximum at 50% light intensity in all grasses and legumes. However, Tri specific hybrid, B. mutica, Panicum maximum, Penisetum polystachyon, C. ciliaris, S. sphacelata produced higher forage yield (fresh biomass), dry matter yield SLW, LAI and CGR under low light intensity exhibiting their shade adaptation. In range legumes stylo accumulated more biomass under 75% and 50% shading and can be recommended for moderate shading environment. Biomass production (DMY) found to be more associated with LAl, CGR and PAR as evidenced by positive and significant correlation. On the basis of observations made in the study that P. maximum, P. polystachyon, S. sphacelata, TSH and B. mutica are suitable for high shading (up to 75% shading) and B. decumbense, C. ciliaris, C. setigerus, C.fulvus, D. annulatum, P. notatum, Stylosanthes hamata for moderate shading (40–60%) environment.