Use of morphologic descriptors and trait heritability in dwarf elephant grass clones

The experiment was carried out with the objectives to evaluate the use of morphologic descriptor in the characterization and selection of dwarf elephant grass genotypes, and to evaluate the heritability of the evaluated traits. Nine dwarf elephant grass clones were used (Taiwan A. 146 - 2.14, Taiwan A. 146 - 2.27, Taiwan A. 146 - 2.37, Taiwan A. 146 - 2.114, Merker Mexico 6.2, Merker Mexico 6.5, Merker Mexico 6.31, cv. Mott, and CNPGL92F198.7) was allotted to a randomized complete block design was used with three replications. The morphologic descriptors were applied every 60 days after the staging cut. A total of five cuts were performed at 60-day intervals using a height of 10 cm from ground level. Among the evaluated dwarf elephant grass clones the tallest ones were more desirable, and this trait should be considered at the moment of selection. Heritability estimate was high for all evaluated traits of dwarf elephant grass, varying from 66% for sheath wax to 100% for mid-rib color. The Taiwan A. 146 - 2.37 clone was similar to the Mott cultivar. Heritability values showed genetic variability among clones, detected at 60 days regrowth. Some of the used morphologic descriptors allowed characterization of the evaluated genotypes. The clones Taiwan A. 146-2.27, Taiwan A. 146-2.37, Taiwan A. 146-2.114, and Merker Mexico 6.31 were the tallest and showed greater total tillering intensity, and were more desirable, presenting greater potential for use under cutting.