Abstract

The need for cultivation of forage grasses to feed animals, as a way of ameliorating the clashes between herders and crop farmers cannot be over emphasized. Therefore, this study was conducted during 2019 at three diverse agro-ecological zones in Kwara State, Nigeria to assess the yield potential, stability, and the possibilities of improving forage yield through secondary traits. Hence, three forage grasses (Elephant grass, Pennisetum purpureum; Gamba grass, Andropogon gayanus; and Ruzi grass, Brachiaria ruziziensis) were laid out in randomised complete block design (RCBD) wherein data was collected on vegetative, stress index traits and yield and were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Traits with significant G x E were subjected to stability analysis using genotype x genotype x environment interaction (GGE) biplot and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI). Structural equation model was used to depict the association between yield and secondary traits. The results revealed significant (p < 0.05) difference among forage grasses for yield and other traits, hence, they are amendable to selection and improvement through breeding efforts. AMMI and GGE biplot effectively identified the best and most stable forage grass as Pennisetum purpureum (28.59 t/ha) for general adaptations, and Ruzi and Gamba for target environments. Plant height, number of tillers, leaf area, dry matter content and stay green are valuable secondary traits that are employable in improving forage yield. Pennisetum can meet the feed demand of herder's animals, which, if adopted for cultivation and use, can reduce the incessant crises between farmers and herders in Nigeria.