A comparative experiment of 4 introduced species of Brachiaria genus in Xishuangbanna

During 2005 to 2007, a comparative experiment of 4 introduced species (cultivars) of Brachiaria genus, including Brachiaria brizantha Mulato 1, B.brizantha Mulato 2, B.decumbens cv. Reyan No.3 and B.brizantha cv. Reyan No.6, was carried out at 3 experimental plots with different altitudes (560, 550 and 846 m) in Gasa township of Jinghong city, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. The Results showed that all of them grew well at experimental plots and had advantages of more tillers, higher yield, stable production performance, higher nutritional value, lower proportion of stem to leaf, palatability, easy mowing, disease resistance, less demanding on the soil and climate conditions, stronger adaptability, easy to plant and extend in a large area. The root system of B.decumbens cv. Reyan No.3 and B.brizantha cv. Reyan No.6 developed well, which was beneficial to control soil erosion and to prevent grassland fire, and had longterm benefits once planted. The B.brizantha Mulato 1 and 2 were faster germination, longer booting stage, later heading stage and smaller ratio of stem to leaf than those of B.decumbens cv. Reyan No.3 and B.brizantha cv. Reyan No.6. Thus, we conclude that the 4 Brachiaria species (cultivars) are suitable for planting in the areas and should be extended in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province.