Determination of forage yield and quality characteristics of some switchgrass (Panicum virgatum l.) genotypes under kirşehir conditions

This study was conducted in randomized block design with three replicates to determine the forage yield and quality performance of 20 switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) genotypes (upland) in Kırşehir ecological conditions. Herbage, dry matter and crude protein yields, crude protein, ADF, NDF and DDM ratios of switchgrass genotypes were determined between 1340.1-3766.2 kg/da, 578.2-1674.2 kg/da and 28.17-92.20 kg/da, 4.88-6.15%, 37.31-40.60%, 69.27-73.64% and 57.27-59.84%, respectively. The increases in the ADF and NDF values of the switchgrass genotypes led to decreases in quality properties such as crude protein ratio, digestible dry matter content and RFV. To obtain high quality forage, switchgrass should be harvested in vegetative period earlier than in full bloom. PI 642197, PI 642262, PI 642266, PI 642281 and PI 642313 genotypes for biomass production, PI 642196, PI 642214, PI 642220, PI 642223, PI 642264, PI 642283 and PI 642285 genotypes for high quality forage production can be used as material for the development of varieties for Kırşehir and similar ecologies.