Homecoming of Brachiaria: Improved Hybrids Prove Useful for African Animal Agriculture

Abstract

Species of the genus Brachiaria originate primarily from Africa, where they are constituents of natural grasslands. Due to their adaptation to acidic, low-fertility soils, millions of hectares of Brachiaria species have been sown as improved pastures in South and Central America, especially B. brizantha cv. Marandu and B. decumbens cv. Basilisk. Due to B. decumbens' susceptibility to spittlebug insect pests in the Americas, CIAT in Colombia and EMBRAPA in Brazil initiated breeding programmes in the 1980s. First cultivars released from CIAT's breeding programmecvs. Mulato and Mulato-IIhave also been investigated in African countries. They have been examined for integration in conservation agriculture systems (Madagascar), for drought and acidic soil tolerance (Rwanda) and for intercropping forages in dairy systems (Uganda, Madagascar), among others. Seed sales to African countries suggest that an area of at least 1,000 ha has been sown so far. The largest adoption of cv. Mulato-II is currently happening in eastern Africa, where it is used by over 20,000 farmers as a trap plant in the push-pull system for control of maize stem borers and parasitic Striga weed. Cv. Mulato-II's particular advantage is its relatively high crude protein content due to greater leafiness and thinner stems than those of traditional Napier grass, resulting in higher nutritive quality. Yet new pest challenges have emerged, requiring further research attention. Diverse hybrids are in the pipeline for release, among them those that are suitable for cut-and-carry systems which are prevalent in eastern Africa. This paper reviews research, development and incipient adoption of new Brachiaria hybrids in African countries.

Assessments of farmers′ perception and utilization status of Brachiaria grass in selected areas of Ethiopia

“…The planting materials used in the study area were both seeds and seedlings (tiller); however, use of seed alone as planting material is higher (51.8% average) than use of seedling (tiller) alone (2.9% average). This may be because cultivation by vegetative material is labor intensive and is more expensive than by seed, which can easily be mechanized (Maass et al 2015). Furthermore, it indicates that use of Brachiaria (Mulato II) grass by farmers in Ethiopia is at infant stage as push-pull has progressed tremendously in Ethiopia since its introduction in the country five years ago (ICIPE 2017).…”

“…This study has revealed that Brachiaria can grow in a wide range of environmental conditions, ranging from lowland to highland. Maass et al (2015) also stated that Brachiaria species are probably the most widely grown forage grass species in the tropics. It is a perennial grass native to East and Central Africa which is widely grown in South America to sustain the dairy and beef industries (FAO 2015).…”

Acumulación de forraje de pasto buffel e híbridos de Urochloa a diferente edad de rebrote

“…Se ha señalado que antes de introducir una especie de gramínea forrajera, a cualquier sistema de producción, se debe evaluar su comportamiento forrajero (Maass et al 2015 Rendimiento de materia seca total (t MS ha −1 ) en las épocas de máxima (mayooctubre 2016) y mínima (noviembre 2016-abril 2017) precipitación (mm), a diferente edad de rebrote (semanas). Sem = Semanas; Prec = Precipitación; T. Min = Temperatura Mínima; T. Max = Temperatura Máxima.…”

Comportamiento productivo y calidad de pastos híbridos de Urochloa y estrella pastoreados con bovinos

“…México presenta regiones con variabilidad climática, época seca y lluvia, en esta ultima el desarrollo vegetal es abundante, soportando el corte o la defoliación (Castro et al, 2012). Maass et al (2015).…”