Plant dry weight and nutritive value of genetically diverse germplasm of false Rhodes grass [ <i>Leptochloa crinita</i> (Lag.) P.M. Peterson and N.W. Snow], a native forage grass from arid regions of the Americas

The native forage, false Rhodes grass [Leptochloa crinita (Lag.) P.M. Peterson and N.W. Snow], represents an important component of the arid semi-arid rangelands Americas, due to its large area distribution tolerance drought cattle grazing. Precise information on nutritive value factors that influence this trait is relevant for effective utilization as a forage in regions world. Here, we characterized dry matter (DM) per plant parameters leaves, stems, panicles 21 genetically diverse L. accessions, 2-yr partially replicated trial. Dry matter, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid (ADF), ash, fat, phosphorus, calcium concentrations were determined. Significant (p < .01), substantial variation was found among accessions DM, CP, NDF, ADF, fat content. Whole-plant DM varied ∼three-fold accessions. Variation also parts .001) all traits, with leaves having greater CP content than being less fibrous organs. In general, range values (117–342 g plant−1), (76–109 kg−1), NDF (747–839 ADF (425–479 kg−1) overlapped reported these traits other grasses regions, although some had most compared species; suggesting adequate