Luecaena leucocephala is one of the most important browse species in Africa, but its value as a livestock fodder was reduced by the psyllid (Hereopsylla cubana) invasion. As part of the search for psyllid-tolerant species sustainable for southern Africa, two rivals were established in 1993, one at Tumbi, Tabora to evaluate 15 leucaena spp. and provenances, 10 leucaena hybrids and composites, and another trial at Lubaga, Shinyanga, Tanzania to evaluate 22 lesser known leucaena spp. The test materials were planted using seedlings in one row plots spaced at 0.75m'1m in three replications. They were evaluated for fodder production, fodder quality and psyllid tolerance. Sgnificant differences were observed among the leucaena spp., hybrids and composites at both sites for fodder production. At tabora, fodder production ranged from 1.58 to 5.68 t (dry weight) ha~1 during the rainy season and 0.10 to 0.54t ha~1 in the dry season
Publication year
2004
Authors
Msangi R B; Otsyina R M; Kusekwa M L
Language
English
Keywords
biomass, feeds, fodder, leucaena, nodulation, protein content
Geographic
Tanzania
