PERFORMANCE OF ELEPHANT GRASS AND ELEPHAN T GRASS X PEARL-MILLET HYBRIDS IN THE SEMIARID REGION OF NORTHEAST BRAZIL

This experiment was carried out to evaluate 41 clones of elephant gras s (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) and elephant grass x pearl millet (Pen nisetum americanum (L.) Leeke) hybrids for the following parameters: D ry matter yield, plant height and leaf/stem ratio. The experiment was conducted in the experimental station of Arcoverde-IPA, located in the Semi-Arid, region of Northeast Brazil, during the years of 1986 and 1 987. The experimental design used was randomized blocks. Dry matter yi eld varied from 16,0 to 18,8 t/ha, for the Itapemirim and Taiwan A-144 clones respectively (selected material). Plant height ranged from 146 to 236 cm fdr the 41 clones evaluated. Leaf/stem ratio varied from 0. 40 to 0,81. Dry matter yield was significant and positively correlated with plant height.