This study was conducted to evaluate the potentialities of three Bonavista bean types (Dolichos lablab, L.) which were White (WB), Black (BB) and Brown (BRB) seeded coat mixed with three fodder grasses which were pearl millet (PM), Sudan grass (SG) and Sorghum Sudan grass (SSG). Two field experiments were carried out at the Experimental Research station, Faculty of Agriculture, Moshtohor, Benha University, Kalubia Governorate during two growing summer seasons (2011 & 2012). Experiments were designed and implemented to evaluate the specific properties of growth behavior, fresh and dry forage yield and quality as well. Results could be concluded as follows:-
Data indicated significant differences in total fresh and dry forage yield for each of the studied forage crops and their mixtures. Highest productive fresh and dry forage were obtained for Sorghum Sudan grass, whereas, the lowest values were recorded for Black Bonavista bean with significant differences of variable magnitudes in their pure stand. The highest values of Leaf:Stem ratio and crude fiber (CF) content were obtained for White B.bean type. Also, Sudan grass was of the highest number of shoots/m2 and the tallest plants as well. Meanwhile, Brown B.type was of the CP highest content as compared with the other tested forages with significant differences.
Concerning the proposed mixtures, the highest values were obtained for fresh forage yield, dry yield, number of shoots/m2, Leaf:Stem ratio, Plant height, CP and CF were ranked in the following descending order as follows: SG+BB, SG+BRB, PM+BRB, SG+BRB, SSG+BRB, SSG+WB and SG+BB, respectively with significant differences magnitudes.
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