Growth, Biomass Partitioning and Fodder Production in Promising Leucaena leucocephala Selections in Semi- arid Tropics
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Authors
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Seema Mishra
Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute,
Jhansi (U.P)
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R.K. Bhatt
Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute,
Jhansi (U.P)
Keywords:
Growth and biomass production, Leucaena leucocephala, selections, S10, S14, S22, S24, K8Abstract
Five Leucaena leucocephala selections were studied for their seasonal growth pattern, fodder production and partitioning of biomass at early growth stage. In all the selections first growth flush was observed from July-October and second growth flush in March. Similarly maximum growth rate was recorded during July to October and minimum in winter months. Number of leaves and leaf area decreased in winter and again increased with leaf flush in June. Selections S22 and S24 have maximum leaf production indicating their higher forage biomass production potential. The biomass production was recorded maximum in S24 and K8 and minimum in S14. The partitioning of biomass at early growth stage was maximum in leaves but with the growth of seedlings it was more in shoot. Overall growth study showed superiority of selections S24 over other genotypes. This proves its suitability for planting on dry degraded land in semi-arid region.
