Evaluation of 24 Local Seed Sources of Buffelgrass for Persistence and Forage Yield in the Riyadh Area

Naturalized populations of buffelgrass (Cencchrus ciliaris L.) grow wild in some range areas and around farms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, no attempt was made to study forage yield potential of these populations for use in range improvement or as a forage crop with low water requirement. This study was conducted to evaluate 24 seed sources collected from different places in the Riyadh area for forage yield, seasonal yield variation and persistence. Thirty plants from each seed source were planted per plot in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Four seasonal cuts were made every year for three years. Results indicated significant differences among populations in total forage yield and seasonal yield. Maximum seasonal yield and variation among populations were obtained in the summer while the lowest yield and variation among populations were found in the winter. Most of the variation in yield could be attributed to variation in seedling survival and establishment during the first year. Persistence varied among populations ranging from 7% to 92%.