The genus Urochloa consists of about 100 documented species 1 of which seven perennial species of African origin ( Urochloa arrecta, Urochloa brizantha, Urochloa decumbens, Urochloa dictyoneura, Urochloa humidicola, Urochloa mutica and Urochloa ruziziensis) are used as fodder plants 2. Urochloa grass is one of the most important tropical forages native to Africa. This study showed a marked difference in seed quality parameters of Urochloa grass seeds produced in Cameroon, and the potential of developing Urochloa grass seed business in the Northern, Adamaoua and Western regions of Cameroon. The seed viability ranged from 18% (E09) to 81% (N01), and there were a positive and highly significant relationships between seed germination and viability traits (r = 0.883 P < 0.0001).
Of three conditions tested for seed germination, mean germination was the highest in greenhouse (7.39%) where Basilisk had the highest germination (25.5%) followed by N01 (18.50%), A05 (14.50%) and W12 (12.75%). Caryopsis number and caryopsis weight were highest in Basilisk followed by E09, A06, and W12. Study showed significant differences among treatments for various seed quality parameters tested ( P < 0.0001). Fifteen Urochloa seeds samples were collected from farmers and/or government stations in five regions (Adamaoua, East, North, North West, and West) and analysed for major seed quality parameters along with seeds of improved Urochloa cultivar Basilisk imported from Brazil as a check. However, there is no information available about qualities of these seeds. Farmers in Cameroon have been producing Brachiaria seeds for decades for own uses and surplus are sold to neighbours, and to traders from Cameroon and neighbouring countries. Brachiaria) is the most popular fodder of livestock farmers in Cameroon for hay and seed productions.
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