Performance of fifteen provenances of Gliricidia sepium in eastern Zambia

Abstract

Fifteen provenances of Gliricidia sepium from Central and South America were planted at Msekera near Chipata in Eastern Zambia. The trial was evaluated at 27 and 39 months after planting for survival, height, diameter growth and above ground biomass production. At 27 months, the provenances showed good survival and mean height ranged from 2.8 to 4.5 m for provenances Playa Tamarindo (Costa Rica) and Retalhuleu (Guatemala) respectively. Above ground biomass showed a lot of variation between provenances with the production ranging from 8 to 32 t ha −1 for provenances Palmasola (Mexico) and Retalhuleu (Guatemala) respectively. At 39 months, the variation in total above ground biomass production was maintained with the biomass ranging from 9 to 33 t ha −1 in Pedasi (Panama) and Pontezuelo (Columbia) respectively. At 39 months, height growth ranged from 2.8 m to 4.9 m in provenances Pedasi (Panama) and Pontezuela (Columbia) respectively. Above ground biomass production for 1 year coppice ranged from 3.37 to 11.76 t ha −1 for provenances Palmasola (Mexico) and Pontezuela Bolivar (Columbia) respectively. Analysis of leaf samples showed low variation in nitrogen content (3.01–3.99%) for the provenances studied. The large differences in growth rates and biomass production of G. sepium provenances emphasize the large genetic variation and the importance of identifying the right seed source. At this early stage of screening, the best performing provenances are Pontezuela (Columbia) and Retalhuleu (Guatemala), whilst the poorest was Palmasola (Mexico). Further evaluation is necessary on specific utilization needs and resistance to pests and diseases before ultimate provenances for agroforestry are chosen and/or improved for conditions in the Miombo ecozone.