Development of climate smart grass varieties for reseeding the ASALS
Inadequate feed resources continue to be a big constraint to livestock production, particularly in ASALs of Kenya. One of the main challenges to increasing feed resources in the ASALs is unavailability of certified seed. This has paved the way for informal seed systems of wild grass ecotypes. The only way to improve seed availability and increase fodder production is through development and release of certified seed that can be traded in formal seed markets. Under ASAL APRP, four promising ecotypes lines were identified that are drought tolerant, high leafy biomass, palatable and nutritious to livestock for further evaluation and release. Besides yield trials, the project will establish tolerance levels of these ecotypes to grazing and water scarcity, their nutritional quality and seed production traits. The following sub-activities are proposed.
- Evaluation and selection of promising ecotypes for desirable traits (high yield, drought tolerant , palatability, and nutrition)
- National performance trials and DUS tests
- on station feeding trials
- Registration and release of varieties