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Abstract
Dwarf Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum) selections N75, Nl 14, Nl27, Nl28, and tall cultivars, Merker (M) and Merkeron (N43) were evaluated on an Oxisol during a 2-year period at 45-, 65-, and 85- day cutting intervals (Cl) at Isabela, Puerto Rico. Dry forage yield (DFY) and crude protein yield (CPY) was superior in N43 than in the other grasses. Among the dwarf selections, Nl28 had the highest DFY, while N75 and Nl27 had the highest crude protein content (CPC). The 65-day CI appeared to be the most appropriate time to harvest the grasses. At this stage, M and N43 DFY and CPC were 7 t/ha and 9%, respectively. The dwarf selections could be potential candidates for use under grazing management due to their high leaf stem ratio as compared to the tall cultivars although their DFY was significantly lower than the tall cultivars.