Effect of harvesting time on seed yield and quality of Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.)

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at Kampangsaen Campus Kasetsart University in wet and dry season of 1985 in order to determine the effect of harvesting times on seed yield and quality of quinea grass. The inflorescences were harvested from each plot at 10, 14, 18, 22 and 26 days after panicle emergence. The results showed variation in both yield and quality of seed harvested at different ages and seasons. Maximum seed yield (631 kg/ha) was obtained from panicles harvested in the wet season at 18 days after panicle emergence while the dry season harvest was peaked at day 10(341 kg/ha). Pure seed yield was highest at 26 days harvest in the wet season (266 kg/ha) and was lowest at the 22 days harvest in the dry season (174 kg/ha). However, seed quality was found increased with the increasing age of panicle.