Abstract
Fifteen napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) lines, including one interspecific hybrid (P. americanum (L.) Leeke×P. purpureum), were investigated for eleven morphological characteristics and two feed components for estimating the phenotypic values. Brix was negatively correlated with seven different morphological characteristics (No. of tiller, plant length, stem length, stem diameter, No. of node, internode length and ratio of heading stem). Although lignin contents were correlated with many of morphological characteristics, that of whole plant showed the highest negative correlation with leaf ratio ( -0.91,P< 0.01). Cluster analysis based on morphological characteristics showed that fifteen lines could be classified into four major groups. Cluster I grouped eight lines that were higher plant length (tall-types), large number of tillers and inter-nodes, and wide leaf blades. Cluster II grouped five lines that were similar morphorogical characteristics to cluster I except for leaf width. Cluster III and IV consisted of "Giante pinda" and "Dwarf", respectively. "Giante pinda" showed higher brix and lower lignin content than the other tall-types. It is suggested that this line is useful as breeding material for the improvement of the forage quality in napiergrass.
