REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY OF PANICUM TURGIDUM FORSSK

Abstract

Panicum turgidum Forssk. is one of the indigenoUs wild forage plants growing in the Egyptian deserts. Due to its sand !\Ccumulating nature resulted from the extensive tiller formation and the e?Ctensive and deeply penetrated root system, the species seemed to be inuch effective iil the stabilization of mobile sand dunes and to stop desert encroachment. Therefore the species is used to rehabilitate degraded rangelands and to be transplanted in the newly reclaimed lands.

2. Panicum turgidum is widely distributed within a belt across Africa and the Middle East extending between longitude 17 ow and 80 °E. the species can withstand a wide range of changes irt climate. Panlcuni

turgidum tussocks, growing along Cairo-Suez desert toad (mean annual rainfall of 20.3 mm) and those growing along the Cairo-Alexandria desert road (mean annual rainfall of 33.8 mm) vary greatly in their vigor, the mode of rooting, and the inflorescences, in other words the species shows morphological flexibility.

3. Panicum turgidum has the aspect of Pennisetilm divisuri1 and Lasiurus scindicus, it can be distinguished froni these tow species by its open panicle inflorescence, and the densely tufted habit assumed by the plant, resulting from the intravaginal type of branching of the species.