Production technology for cumbu napier

cumbu napier grass

1. Production technology for cumbu napier submitted by, kannan k 2016032023 13/12/2018

2. HYBIYD NAPIER - Cumbu Napier Ottupull It is a triploid hybrid between Napier and pearl millet ( cumbu or bajra ) having ( Pennisetum purpureum x P. americanum ) chromosome number 2n = 20, 21. Babala was the first hybrid developed in South Africa Pusa Giant, NB 21, NB 37, IGFRI 5, IGFRI 7 and IGFRI 10 (developed from Indian Grassland Research Institute, Jhansi ) are superior hybrids developed in India, Col , Co2 and C03 ,CO4,CO5are also superior varieties released from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Varieties are suitable for growing throughout the year in all districts in Tamil Nadu

3. characteristic features of CO-3 fodder grass It is one of the highest yielding perennial tropical fodder grasses and considered as cut-and-carry forage for stall feeder systems. The  characteristic features of CO-3 fodder grass are: profuse tillering , high yield potential, high dry matter and crude protein content, quick regeneration capacity, high leaf to stem ratio, high palatability, free from pest and diseases and low in adverse factors.

4. Cumbu Napier Hybrid Grass – CO (BN) 5 High green fodder yield (360 t/ha /yr) and dry matter yield (79.2t/ha/yr). Crude protein yield (6.07 t/ha /year). More palatability because of succulent stems with soft lush green leaves. Winter hardiness. Quick regeneration capacity. Free from pest and disease. Superior ratooning ability rendering seven cuttings per year. First cut on 75-80 days after planting and subsequent cuttings at 45 days interval

5. Climate and soil The grass grows throughout the year in the tropics. The optimum temperature is about 31° C. Light showers   alternated with bright sunshine are very congenial to the crop. Total water requirement of the grass is 800-1000 mm. Light loams and sandy soil are preferred to than heavy soils.    The grass does not thrive well on water logged and flood prone lands.   It tolerates a pH range from 5 to 8. 

6. 1. Preparation of field Plough with an iron plough two to three times to obtain good tilth .

7. 2. Application of FYM Apply and spread 25 t /FYM/ha of or compost every year on the unploughed Iand . and incorporate the manure in the soil during ploughing.

8. 3. Forming Ridges Form ridges and furrows Wiling a ridger , 6 m long and 50 cm apart and form irrigation channels across furrows.

9. 4. Application of Fertilizers Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendations as far as possible. If soil testing is not done, follow the blanket recommendations of 50 : 50 : 40 of kg NPK /ha. Application of Azospirillum and Phosphobacterium along with 75% of recommended dose of N and P fertilizers enhanced the yield besides saving of 25% of fertilizer dose.

10. Spacing and seed rate The spacing recommended and adopted is 50 cm X 50 cm. 40,000 cuttings(two budded) are planted per ha .

11. Planting   Planting is done with the onset of monsoon or any time, if irrigation facility is available. Being a sterile hybrid, the grass is planted by rooted slips or by stem cuttings. Cuttings with 2 nodes from the middle portion of moderately matured stems (3 – 4 months old) are preferred. The cuttings are planted at a slanting position at one side of the ridges with one node buried in the soil . 

12. INTERCROPPING Hybrid Napier can be cultivated as a single crop or intercrop with banana 

13. 6. Water Management Immediately after planting, give life irrigation on the third day and thereafter once in 10 days . Sewage or waste water can also be used for irrigation.

14. drainage  The field should be provided with good drainage during the rainy season as the crop cannot stand water stagnation . Vegetative growth is reduced to dormant during winter.

15. 7. Weed Management Hand weeding is done whenever necessary.

16. 8. Harvesting First harvest is to be done on 75 to 80 days after planting and subsequent harvests at intervals of 45 days.

17.  GREEN FODDER YIELD Co1 -250-300(t/ha/yr) (7harvests) Co2 -300-325(t/ha/yr) (7harvests) Co3 -350(t/ha/yr) (7harvests) Co4 - 375-400(t/ha/yr) (7harvests) Co5 - 360 - 400 (7harvests)

18. 9. Top Dressing After each harvest apply 100 kg N/ha (wherever Nitrate problem is more reduce the N application)

19. Quartering Quartering has to be done every year or whenever the clumps become unwieldy and large (each clump will form into big stools in two years. It is then split into four quarters and three of them are removed. This operation is known as quartering.

20. Few important points  to be remembered: Soil reclamation with lime is essential in acidic soils . While planting, the soil around the cutting has to be pressed tightly for good root growth . The grass must be cut at ground level for good tillering of the clumps. Economically viable for 3 years.

21. Cost of CO4 Hybrid Napier grass slips      1 slip = Rs 0.40      1 acre requires 16,000 slips      ie Rs 6,400