Performance of Cynodon species in the Natal tall grassveld

Abstract

A number of Cynodon lines were evaluated at two centres in the Natal Tall Grassveld. In a red clay soil in a relatively moist area good performance was recorded from several star grasses (Cynodon aethiopicus and C. nlemfuensis) and Cynodon hybrids, but herbage production was less satisfactory on a grey-brown loamy soil at a drier site. Local C. dactylon strains did not compare well with the introduced Cynodon spp. Quality of the Cynodon herbage was good, and no problems were encountered with prussic acid poisoning.

Keywords: performance|KwaZulu Natal Province|tall grasses|grasslands|evaluations|soils|clays|moist grasslands|star grass|grasses|herbage production|loams|dry land|prussic acid|poisonings