Publication Date

1997

Description

Biotypes of Leucaena spp (56) were evaluated in order to identify those with tolerance to low temperature and with desirable characteristics as a forage crop. Selection was done at two phases. Phase I: 92 days old seedlings (n=2800) were subjected at two temperatures treatments during 14 hours: T1= -8 °C and T2= -3 °C. Selection criteria was established as 50% of live leaves remained after treatments were applied. Phase II: Plants that survived phase I were planted at field conditions and agronomic characteristics were measured. Seventeen plants were selected from eleven different biotypes, resulting one from T1 and the rest from T2. Three plants showed good agronomic adaptation and greater chilling tolerance. Only one plant maintained live stem and meristematic tissue after a -8.8 °C freeze occurrence . Plants N° 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16 were the most productive (Dry matter production).

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Selection and Agronomic Characterization of Leucaena spp. Genotypes for Cold Tolerance. I. Dry Matter Yield.

Biotypes of Leucaena spp (56) were evaluated in order to identify those with tolerance to low temperature and with desirable characteristics as a forage crop. Selection was done at two phases. Phase I: 92 days old seedlings (n=2800) were subjected at two temperatures treatments during 14 hours: T1= -8 °C and T2= -3 °C. Selection criteria was established as 50% of live leaves remained after treatments were applied. Phase II: Plants that survived phase I were planted at field conditions and agronomic characteristics were measured. Seventeen plants were selected from eleven different biotypes, resulting one from T1 and the rest from T2. Three plants showed good agronomic adaptation and greater chilling tolerance. Only one plant maintained live stem and meristematic tissue after a -8.8 °C freeze occurrence . Plants N° 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16 were the most productive (Dry matter production).