Assessment of BxN Hybrids for Fodder Productivity in South Gujarat, India
Patil, L. M. *
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chaswad, Dist: Bharuch 393 130, Gujarat, India.
Gomkale, S. R.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chaswad, Dist: Bharuch 393 130, Gujarat, India.
Modi, D. J.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chaswad, Dist: Bharuch 393 130, Gujarat, India.
Vasava, H. M.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chaswad, Dist: Bharuch 393 130, Gujarat, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bharuch, Gujarat to evaluate eight Bajra x Napier (BxN) hybrids viz. BNH-10, BNH-11, CO-5, CO-6, DHN-5, DHN-15, Phule Jaywant, and Phule Gunwant for their fodder yield potentials and quality parameters over three years (2021-2024). A Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications was employed for the experiment. The pooled results of three years revealed that significant variations were observed in hybrids investigated. The hybrid BNH-11 consistently and significantly outperformed other tested hybrids, demonstrating superior performance across multiple parameters, including plant height (143.25 cm), tillers per plant (26), leaf-to-stem ratio (1.14), green fodder yield (207.05 MT ha⁻¹), dry matter yield (80.36 MT ha⁻¹) and crude protein yield (6.06 MT ha⁻¹). Phule Gunwant closely followed BNH-11, performing on par across all evaluated parameters. These findings indicate that BxN hybrids exhibit substantial potential for fodder production, supporting their use in sustainable livestock farming systems in the region.
Keywords: Hybrid Napier, green fodder yield, dry matter yield, crude protein