Productivity and Biological Nitrogen Fixation of Different Species of Vetches (Vicia spp.) under the Rainfed Conditions of West Asia

Productivity and Biological Nitrogen Fixation of Different Species of Vetches (Vicia spp.) under the Rainfed Conditions of West Asia

New Delhi, India

The low rainfall areas of West Asia are characterized by pastoral production system primarily based on small ruminants (sheep and goats). Rangelands serve as the main source of feed. With increasing population, the demand for livestock products has increased. As a consequence, the stocking rates have soared, increasing the pressure on rangelands. Rangeland degradation has therefore been increasing threatening the sustainability of livestock production system and the livelihood of the people dependent on it. Production of additional feed is essential to reduce the pressure on rangelands. Vetches (Vicia spp.) are endemic in the area and can be potential source of nutritious forage and feed. The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) holds a large collection of germplasm of vetches from the region and has done its evaluation for productivity and nutritive value. The selected lines have been tested in international testing program for their adaptation to different agro-ecological conditions. Some of these selected lines were evaluated for their productivity, nutritive value and biological nitrogen fixation at the Tel Hadya research station of ICARDA in Northern Syria. Large variability observed for these traits provides opportunity for development of promising cultivars for diverse ecological conditions.