Experimental induction of flower formation in Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. Ex Chiov.

Abstract

The literature on the flowering of kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov.) is summarized. It is shown to be probable that some very vigorous strains are genetically male-sterile. An experiment is described in which flower initiation was caused by repeated defoliation and decapitation of shoots. The control of flowering in kikuyu grass is compared with that in other plants in which removal of apical dominance allows the initiation of flower primordia on lateral branches. The importance of the utilization of the genetic potential of both hermaphrodite and male-sterile strains in any kikuyu grass breeding programme is stressed.