During a study in Florida, in the first year of defoliation, dry matter (DM) harvested for 'Mott' elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum) and 'S-Mott' varied little from that of the seeded hybrids (P. glaucum x. P. purpureum) when cut every 6 weeks. All entries had greater whole-season yields when harvested every 12 weeks, but the yield increase for the seeded hybrids was greater for Mott or S-Mott. During the second year, Mott and S-Mott had higher DM harvested than seeded hybrids for all clipping treatments because of poor hybrid persistence. In 1991, frequent clipping to either height generally resulted in crude protein (CP) concentrations above 120 g kg-1, IVDOM concentrations above 620 g kg-1, and relatively little difference in nutritive value among entries. In 1992 all entries were similar in CP and IVDOM, regardless of clipping treatment. Mott and S-Mott had 100% survival during both winters, regardless of clipping treatment. Seeded hybrids had only 9% survival after the second winter. These data indicate that seeded hybrids are productive and high in nutritive value. The authors note their potential for use in the U.S. Gulf Coast, however, depends on development of lines that are more persistent under defoliation.
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