Biodiversity of Kikuyu Grass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov) in Indonesia as high protein forage based on morphology and nutrition compared

Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov) is tropical grass originates from Eastern Africa, that has been introduced in other tropical and subtropical areas including in Indonesia. Kikuyu used as forage with high protein content and palatable. In Indonesia, Kikuyu still rarely exists, and no data reported yet about Kikuyu growing in Indonesia except data about when it was introduced to Indonesia. The aims of this study were to know the biodiversity of Kikuyu in Indonesia and to compare its morphology and nutrition contents between accession. Exploring Kikuyu accessions was done around West of Java province area. The morphology of each accession was observed with parameters and nutrition content of each accession was analyzed using proximate analysis. The results showed 3 accessions of Kikuyu from Burangrang, Tangkuban Perahu and Bukit Tunggul location. Morphology of the 3 accessions shows not significant different in all parameters. Nutrition contents between accessions namely dry matter, water contents, and fat contents shows not significant different. Crude protein content of Kikuyu accessions was ranged between 18.18 to 21.48 % DM. In this study, Burangrang accession had higher crude protein (21.48%) than other accessions, for that it has potential to be developed as superior variety.