Seedling quality forage (Moringa oleifera Lam., Leucaena Leucocephala and Cajanus cajan) in nursery conditions

Abstract

With the objective to determinate the initial behavior of Moringa oleifera, and deep into advantage of this specie in comparison to others fodder with quick growth (Leucaena leucocephala and Cajanus cajan); was carried out an experiment with random complete design with, and 20 samples. By a period of three weeks (21 days) was monitored the germination; while patterns of growth were determined through evaluation for ten weeks of variables of diameter and root, long stem and root, and secondary root numbers, also biomass production showed as dry and fresh matter of root and, foliage and branches parts of eight plants were destroyed weekly. The quality of plants was compared using quality indexes based on morphological variables. The results suggest a best behavior of M. oleifera to almost all variables, having best performance C. cajan and L. leucocephala in secondary root numbers. The quality indexes suggest few problems of establishment on field to the species M. oleifera and L. leucocephala, this due to the quick growth even with unequal proportion on stem-root growth relation and biomass production. The quality index values obtained to each species could be modified through silvicultural management of the plant at the nursery.

La Calera, Vol.14 No.22, Mayo 2014, pp.21-27