Ecophysiological Studies of Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. and Sporobolus pyramidalis P. Beauv. at Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Eleusine indica and Sporobolus pyramidalis are common grasses in the tropics, including Ibadan, Nigeria. The former is considered a good fodder when young, but the latter has low grazing quality. The objective of this study was to describe some of the morphological characteristics of these 2 prominent species. S. pyramidalis is a taller grass having more roots per culm and a longer inflorescence. Seeds of the 2 grasses germinated between 20 degrees C and 35 degrees C and emergence declined with increasing depth until it was zero at and 4 cm for E. indica and S. pyramidalis, respectively. S. pyramidalis had a higher rate of germination. The 2 species have stomata on both leaf surfaces, but the number is greater on the adaxial surface. Experiments indicate that E. indica is more tolerant and adaptable to biotic disturbances. The biomass contribution by E. indica and S. pyramidalis is estimated at 1,100 kg/ha 300 kg/ha, respectively.