3 Review(s)

CO4/Cumbu Napier hybrid grass is a perennial green fodder. It possesses more tillers or branches per plant, more leaves than Napier grass, soft, juicy stem, free from pest and diseases higher in fodder yield and quality. It’s a recent hybrid Napier grass released (2008) by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, which is a cross between Cumbu (Co 8) & Napier grass (FT 461). Its expose 400-450 number of leaves/plant, leaf length is 110-115 cm and plant height is 8-10 feet’s in general. It can be cultivated throughout the year under irrigated conditions. Crude protein ranges from 14-18% and Dry matter is 21.3 %. Plough 2-3 times to obtain a good tilth and form ridges and furrows, the spacing recommended and adopted for 50x60 cm. Irrigate through the furrows and plant one rooted slip/stem cutting per hill/one side of ridge. Immediately after planting, give life irrigation on the third day and thereafter once in 10 days. First harvest is to be done on 75-80 days after planting and subsequent harvests at intervals of 35-40 days. Farmers should take 4-5 years good yield and annually take 7-8 cuts are possible. The fodder has to be cut closer to the ground level for more profuse tillers. Hand weeding is done whenever necessary. Yield range is 160 -180 tons/acre/year depending on condtion. It has been found to increase milk yield by almost 200-300 ml per Cow & Buffalo and Increase the body weight for Goat and Sheep. Good re-generation capacity & low leaf blade. Note: This is MOTHER MATERIAL only, farmers can develop slips and transplant to more area after 150 days from this materials. Farmer's once got slips at the same time sock in water for 4-5 hours, then move to planting. SEEDS ARE STERILE in nature, so slips only good propagated material.