Growth, flowering and fruiting of Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess) O. Berg intercropped with green manure species in Agroforestry Systems

Abstract

Besides enabling economic activity, the domestication of indigenous species in situ configures a strategy for the conservation of genetic resources in Agroforestry Systems (AFSs), as well as an ecological restoration strategy. Successful productivity and restoration through AFSs require active intervention with agroecological practices, e.g., the use of green manure. We evaluated how planting different green manure species in consortium with Guavira influences its reproductive period, growth, and productivity in different spatial arrangements. Guavira, Campomanesia adamantium, is a shrub that is native to the Brazilian Savannah and has fruticulture potential. To evaluate growth, we measured plant height and canopy cover and to evaluate fruit yield, we monitored reproductive phenology among different treatments. Guavira grows better in less dense areas with Crotalaria breviflora and Cajanus cajan rather than with Canavalia ensiformis. In all inter-row spacing of Guavira and green manure species, the reproductive phases were highly seasonal, with flowering and fruiting lasting for 2 and 4 months, respectively. Guavira plants that grew in consortium with green manure in different inter-row spacing presented different flowering times, but this difference was not reflected in fruit production. Fruiting and growth appear to be affected by inter-row spacing, as well as by the species used in the consortium. Thus, these variables must be considered carefully when implementing an agroforestry system.