J. G. Oke

Abstract

Five new improved strains of important local pasture grasses have been evolved by Pure-line selection. These include (i) Marve1-40 ( Dichanthium caricosum ,A. Camus), (ii) Marvel-93 (Dichanthium caricosum ,A. Camus) a spreading type. (iii) Marvel-S (Dichanthium annulatum Stapf.), (iv) Moshi-13 (Iseilems wightii, Anders.) and (v) Ghanys marvel-20 (Bothriochloa pertusa A. Campus). These improved strains yield 40 to 100% higher than the unimproved local varieties of the some species, Botanical and agronomic characterization of these five improved strains along with their chemical composition has been presented.

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J. G. Oke

Abstract

Ecological classification of grasslands in Maharashtra state into seven major habitat patterns and twentyfour minor sub-patterns has been attempted on the basis of soil, topography, hydrography and otber phenological considerations. Each of these major patterns and subpatterns have beeen subjected to critical botanical characterization and their respective botanical associations of typical herbs and shrubs as index species along with their component grass species in the order of their dominance. This provides a better defnition for the local grassland patterns.

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