Co-3 planting

Establishment and Management

Planting materials

This inter-specific hybrid is sterile and

does not produce viable seeds although

it could initiate an inflorescence or

spike. It is vegetatively propagated by

root-slips or stem-cuttings and this

helps to preserve its genetic purity. For

quality planting materials, root-slips

and stem cuttings supposed to be in

fresh status and, with 3-4 active tillers

and two nodes, respectively. Using the

planting materials soon after removing

them from mother plants is

recommended. As a confident amount

of food and water reserve should be

available with the planting material for

sprouting of buds and initial growth, it

is also recommended not to get

materials from over aged nurseries.

Approximately, 10,000 – 11,000 rootslips

(1500 kg) or 20,000 – 22,000

stem-cuttings (1600 kg) are sufficient

for establishment of a 1-hectare crop.

Establishment

Grass should be planted at the

beginning of the rainy season.

According to the rainfall pattern in the

region, farmer could come to a

decision on the planting time. Rootslips

or stem-cuttings are planted at a

distance of 60 x 90 cm, 90 x 90 cm or

90 x 120 cm depending on the soil

status and other inputs (e.g. water and

fertilizer) used by the farmer. One

root-slip or two stem cuttings are

planted in a single hole or spot on

above spacing. A small portion of rootslip

or upper node of stem cutting

should remain with the soil level. Stem

cuttings should preferably be planted

vertically, slantingly, or horizontally.

Land preparation could be adjusted on

the land extent and farmers preference.

However, land preparation should

facilitate the rooting and nutrient

absorption environment of the newly

planted root-slip or stem cutting.

Followings are the recommended

methods for CO-3 grass panting.

Easy planting method

This planting method is suitable and

recommended for large-scale

establishments. Land should firstly be

ploughed and harrowed up to 10-12

inches in depth. Cuttings are planted

through furrows prepared next to

harrowing.

Single pit “Tambukiza” method

This method is called “Tambukiza”

and has been developed in Kenya for

(a) Root-slips (b) stem-cuttings

Figure 03: Planting materials