Seasonal yield ditribution in Setaria

Abstract

Seasonal growth responses are analysed for fourteen introductions of setaria at two sites in south eastern Queensland. The introductions were broadly classified into five distict groups, S. splendida, Kazungula introductions, Nandi, Rhodesian diploids and frost tolerant. The first two groups produced more dry matter throughout the year at both sites. Introductions varied in the relative difference between summer and winter yield, and there was evidence that at Lawes a small yield difference was combined with a moderately high summer and winter yield in the frost tolerant group of introductions. The frost tolerance of the introductions originating in the Aberdares region of Kenya was confirmed at both sites. Initial high yields of these introductions at Lawes were not maintained, perhaps due to a lack of ability to stand severe defoliation.