Leucaena Leucocephala Research Articles

Productive behavior of rabbits fed with Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, foliage in the fattening phase

Objective: To assess the productive behavior of rabbits fed with a diet that included 33% fresh Leucaena leucocephala foliage during the fattening phase.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: Twenty 60-day-old New Zealand rabbits with an average live weight of 960 g were used. Using a completely randomized, 2×2 factorial design, five male and five female rabbits were distributed among the following treatments: ACCH treatment (300-g commercial feed for female rabbits), ACCM treatment (300-g commercial feed for male rabbits), ACFLCH treatment (200-g commercial feed with 100 g Leucaena foliage for female rabbits), and ACFLCM treatment (200-g commercial feed with 100 g Leucaena foliage for male rabbits). An analysis of variance and a Tukey's test were applied to determine the effect of the treatments on each of the variables analyzed.
 Results: The rabbits that consumed the ACFLCM and ACFLCH diets with the addition of Leucaena gained more weight (P<0.05): 23.18±6.35 and 21.59±10.23 g/rabbit/day. Feed intake was higher (P<0.05) with a Leucaena foliage diet: 48.04.2±0.50 and 47.68±0.84 g/rabbit/day. A significant difference (P>0.05) in final weight was observed among treatments (ACCM, 1,971±256.6; ACFLCM, 2,211.8±197.7; ACCH, 2,012.4±275.6; and ACFLCH, 2,184.0±464.9).
 Study Limitations/Implications: Proper and correct use of available forage must be made to guarantee that animals have access to food all year round.
 Findings/Conclusions: The addition of Leucaena foliage in the diet did not generate a decrease in growth or feed intake.

Energy Optimization from raw materials and evaluate hemicelluloses. García.M.T*. García, J.C., Loaiza, J.M., Blanco, J., López, F.

The aim of this study was to optimize the energetic use and extraction of hemicelluloses by hydrolysis with dilute acid of three different lignocellulosics materials from rapid growth biomass using a factorial experimental design and multiple regression models. For that, calorific power value and chemical composition of solid phases after acid hydrolysis of three different lignocellulosic materials were determined (Chamaecytisus proliferus or tagasaste-, Leucaena leucocephala, and a dihybrid of Paulownia (fortunei and elongata). These solid phases were assessed for obtainment of energy, sugars and other by product. Superior calorific value at constant volume over dry basis and lower calorific value at constant pressure was determinated for energy purposes. The proposed acid hydrolysis process allows increased yield and xylan under more selective extraction conditions. Also higher values of superior calorifc power values that raw materials are reported. The operational ranges are especially suitable for the extraction of xylose, which was virtually quantitative at 170 ºC The selective extraction of hemicelulloses alows to have a solid part with a high content in glucan a lignin and the value of superior calorimetric is suitable for obtain energy.

Larger water use efficiency associated with greater dependence on deep water sources in hot-dry valleys with reservoirs

Identifying the carbon–water relationship of plants helps to understand their adaptive water use strategies. The relationship between WUE and the water source remains uncertain in the hot-dry valleys with reservoirs. The leaf δ13C and soil and xylem water isotopes (δ2H and δ18O) were determined to identify the WUE and water source contributions, respectively, in Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit communities. We propose a source contributing score (SCS), calculated as a value for the contribution of water from different soil layers (a higher SCS value indicates plants use deeper water sources). The positive relationship between leaf δ13C and SCS (R2 = 0.16, P = 0.022) and the negative relationship between leaf δ13C and topsoil contribution (R2 = 0.21, P = 0.009) confirmed the close association of larger WUE with less reliance on shallow soil water. The redundancy analysis suggested a stronger connection between leaf δ13C and d-excess than leaf δ13C and topsoil moisture content, which emphasized the key role of soil moisture d-excess. Variation partitioning analysis (VPA) suggested soil properties and microclimate explain more than 89.8 % of the variations in tree water use. VPA also suggested different roles of microclimate and soil properties in explaining tree water use strategies. Findings broadened the understanding of the relationship between WUE and water sources and emphasized the key role of soil moisture d-excess in hot-dry valleys with reservoirs.

Interventions in Selection of Fish Feed Ingredients with Special Reference to Leaves and Water Plants: A Review

Efforts in managing leafy materials and aquatic plants as fish feed are essential approaches in sustainable fish farming. The purpose of this article is to explore the potential utilization of leaves, aquatic plants, and the processing methods involved in turning them into supplementary fish feed. The writing methodology employed is a literature review, involving stages such as journal search, journal selection, journal analysis, and journal synthesis. Based on the review of several relevant journals, it is evident that various leaf species such as Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.), Gamal (Gliricidia sepium), Lamtoro (Leucaena leucocephala), Cassava (Manihot utilissima), Noni (Morinda citrifolia), Turi (Sesbania grandiflora L.), Kale (Ipomoea aquatica), Papaya (Carica Papaya), and aquatic plants like Lemna Minor, Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), Azolla microphylla can serve as references for supplementary feed with beneficial content for fish growth. The utilization of these plants is a judicious step as it can reduce commercial feed costs, provide stable feed availability throughout the year, and mitigate negative environmental impacts while enhancing water quality. Managing plants as fish feed is not only economically favorable but also a positive stride towards sustainable and environmentally friendly fish farming.

The Restoration of Degraded Landscapes along the Urban–Rural Gradient of Lubumbashi City (Democratic Republic of the Congo) by Acacia auriculiformis Plantations: Their Spatial Dynamics and Impact on Plant Diversity

This study examines the spatio-temporal dynamics of Acacia auriculiformis in Lubumbashi city, southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in the context of rapid urbanization following the liberalization of the mining sector. The city has experienced significant demographic growth and unplanned spatial expansion, resulting in a decrease in vegetation cover. The introduction and proliferation of A. auriculiformis, an exotic tree species, have occurred without strategic planning or monitoring. Utilizing digitized remote sensing imagery from 2006, 2014, and 2021, we quantified the expansion of A. auriculiformis along the urban–rural gradient. Additionally, a floristic inventory conducted in 2021 provided insights into tree diversity within A. auriculiformis plantations. Our findings indicate a substantial increase in the number and area of A. auriculiformis patches, predominantly in urban zones. However, the patch values, highest in 2006, were shown to decline by 2021, especially in urban areas. The floristic inventory identified 39 tree species within A. auriculiformis plantations, including predominant species such as Albizia lebbeck, Albizia alba, and Leucaena leucocephala. Notably, 20 of these species are exotic, with half being invasive. In contrast, the 19 indigenous species were primarily found in peri-urban areas. While a greater number of tree species were observed in urban zones, larger average diameters were recorded in peri-urban zones. The persistence and expansion of A. auriculiformis in a landscape characterized by declining tree cover suggest its potential sustainability in this setting. However, A. auriculiformis plantations have facilitated the establishment of predominantly exotic and potentially invasive species. These findings highlight the need for the strategic management of A. auriculiformis and associated exotic flora to mitigate their spread and to consider their role in the restoration of degraded lands.

Rhizosphere microbiome of plants used in phytoremediation of mine tailing dams

Rhizospheric microbial communities improve the effectiveness of hyperaccumulators in the phytoremediation of heavy metals. However, limited access to tailing dams and inadequate assessment of plants’ phytoremediation potential limit the characterization of native accumulators, hindering the effectiveness of local remediation efforts. This study evaluates the heavy metal sequestration potentials of Pennisetum purpureum, Leucaena leucocephala, and Pteris vittata and their associated rhizospheric microbial communities at the Marlu and Pompora tailing dams in Ghana. The results indicate shoot hyperaccumulation of Cd (334.5 ± 6.3 mg/kg) and Fe (10,647.0 ± 12.6 mg/kg) in P. purpureum and L. leucocephala, respectively. Analysis of rhizospheric bacterial communities revealed the impact of heavy metal contamination on bacterial community composition, associating Fe and Cd hyperaccumulation with Bacillus, Arthrobacter, and Sphingomonas species. This study reports the hyperaccumulation potentials of L. leucocephala and P. purpureum enhanced by associated rhizosphere bacterial communities, suggesting their potential application as an environmentally friendly remediation process of heavy metals contaminated lands.

Acetic acid as a protic solvent for reducing sulphuric acid concentrations in the production of cellulose nanocrystals alongside transition metal co-catalysts

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) conventionally involve highly concentrated sulphuric acid, which typically resulted in the formation of undesirable by-products. Although less corrosive mineral acids have been explored as alternatives, high concentrations are still required. In this study, CNC was successfully isolated from Leucaena leucocephala wood using mild sulphuric acid with acetic acid as protic solvent, and it was further studied with the addition of Lewis acids in the form of multivalent transition metal salts as co-catalyst. Selected divalent and trivalent transition metal salts including (Cr(NO3)3, Fe(NO3)3, Co(NO3)2, and Ni(NO3)2) were investigated. The morphology, chemical structure, particle size, and physicochemical properties of the CNCs were determined. Controlled depolymerization of cellulose was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Rod-like morphology for all CNCs was obtained during the hydrolysis process with the smallest CNC particles found at an average length of 278.1 ± 35.1 nm and a diameter of 13.4 ± 3.0 nm. The results showed that higher valence state metal ions resulted in better cellulose hydrolysis efficiency. In addition, the use of transition metal salt as a co-catalyst improved production efficiency and minimised carbonization of CNC while maintaining desired crystallinity and thermal properties.

Fatty acid composition of Albizia, Calliandra, Leucaena and Sesbania as tropical forage legumes

The objective of the present experiment was to determine fatty acids composition of Albizia falcataria (AF), Calliandra calothyrsus (CC), Leucaena leucocephala (LL), and Sesbania grandiflora (SG), both in the leaves and in the in vitro rumen fermentation system. Ground leaf samples of AF, CC, LL and SG were determined for their fatty acid (FA) profiles. The samples (200 mg DM each) were incubated in vitro in a rumen:buffer solution (1:2 v/v ratio) at 39°C for 24 h, either with or without the addition of linseed oil, conducted in four replicates. Following the incubation, the fermentation medium was subjected to fatty acid determination. Results revealed that the order of PUFA contents in the leaves from highest to lowest were CC>LL>SG>AF. Proportion of MUFA was particularly high in CC. Notably, the α-linolenic acid (ALA) concentration within the rumen after the in vitro incubation exhibited in the CC legume compared to the other observed legumes (P<0.05). Additionally, the in vitro incubation of CC resulted in the lowest concentration of stearic acid. The findings lead to the conclusion that CC exhibits more favorable FA profiles in the rumen when compared to the tropical forage tree-legumes in the present experiment.

Characterization of Leucaena leucocephala (Petai Belalang) as an Energy Crop for Power Generation Application

Currently, empty fruit bunch (EFB) is the main biomass source to fuel biomass power plant and as co-firing fuel with coal at the existing coal-fired power plants in Malaysia. However, these power plants frequently face insufficient EFB supply, which may contribute to load losses. Energy crops a new source of biomass, are introduced to replace or substitute the shortage of biomass supply. Planting energy crops worldwide ensures a sufficient and cleaner fuel supply for power generation. Positive characteristics of the energy crop are including calorific value, carbon contents and density. Higher value of these parameters indicating the good quality of the energy crop. While, the negative characteristics of energy crop are including moisture content and ash content. Higher value of these two parameters indicating lower quality of energy crop. One of the studied energy crops was Leucaena leucocephala (Petai Belalang), which showed better quality than EFB, based on calorific value, moisture content, ash content and density. It is naturally grown, typically near rivers in Peninsular Malaysia. Furthermore, it can be easily planted and matures in about six months for harvesting.

Interactive Effect of Residue Quality and Agroecologies Modulate Soil C‐ and N‐Cycling Enzyme Activities, Microbial Gene Abundance, and Metabolic Quotient

Understanding interactive effect of agroecology explained by rainfall, temperature, elevation, and biochemical composition of residues on soil microbial abundance and functions is crucial for unraveling soil ecological processes. This study aimed to investigate how agroecology and residue quality influence enzymatic activities, gene abundance, and metabolic quotient (qCO2). A field experiment was conducted using Leucaena leucocephala (LL) (high‐quality residue) and Acacia decurrens (AD) (low‐quality residue) in soils of highland and midland agroecologies. These residues differed in decomposability, characterized by a ratio of (lignin + polyphenol)/N of 5.0 for high‐quality residue versus 21.0 for low‐quality residue. Two experimental setups were employed: soil with litter mixture in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes and residues buried in the surface soil using litterbags. Soil samples were collected after 30, 120, and 270 days of incubation and analyzed for biochemical properties, enzyme activities, and the abundance of nitrifying and total archaea and bacteria. Soil respiration was also measured at different intervals in the field. qCO2 was calculated using microbial biomass (MBC) and daily respiration (DCO2). Linear mixed model (P &lt; 0.05) revealed that combined factors of agroecologies and residue qualities affected enzymatic activities, microbial abundance, soil properties, and qCO2. Agroecological differences exerted a greater influence than residue qualities. Positive and negative significant correlations (P &lt; 0.05, r = 0.27 to 0.67) were found between different C and N pools as well as enzymatic activities. Positive correlations (P &lt; 0.05) were observed between the abundance of total bacteria, total archaea, and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria versus leucine‐aminopeptidases. qCO2 was influenced more by β‐xylosidase, leucine‐aminopeptidases, and thermolysin‐like neutral metalloproteases (TLP) than by β‐D‐glucosidase and β‐D‐cellobiohydrolase. Leucine‐aminopeptidases and TLP were identified as rate‐limiting factors for protein and peptide decomposition, while β‐xylosidase controlled hemicellulose degradation. In summary, this study provides insights into the intricate relationships between agroecology, residue quality, enzymatic activities, and microbial communities, shedding light on key processes governing soil ecological functions.

In Vitro Evaluation of α‐Glucosidase and α‐Amylase Inhibition in Thai Culinary Vegetables

Diabetes management through dietary intervention has gained significant interest, particularly in the use of natural plant‐based inhibitors of key enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion. The objective of this study was to assess the inhibitory effects of ten Thai culinary vegetables on α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase, including Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum), holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), star gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus), galangal (Alpinia galanga), bamboo grass (Tiliacora triandra), Turkey berry (Solanum torvum), cassod tree (Senna siamea), dill (Anethum graveolens L.), noni (Morinda citrifolia), and pearl wattle (Leucaena leucocephala). All vegetables were extracted using deionized water at a 1 : 10 ratio in an ultrasonic bath operating at 350 W and a frequency of 50 Hz for 30 minutes. The α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities of the vegetable extracts ranged from 13.42 ± 0.23% to 79.84 ± 0.47%, while the inhibitory activities against α‐amylase were relatively modest, ranging from 4.82 ± 3.32% to 27.49 ± 1.67%. Cassod tree exhibited the highest α‐glucosidase inhibition with the lowest IC50 at 126.38 ± 0.98 μg/mL, followed by galangal (203.17 ± 1.05 μg/mL) and holy basil (1,240 ± 20.31 μg/mL), respectively. These results may hold promise for encouraging the consumption of vegetables as a strategy for diabetes management through the targeting of key enzyme inhibition.

Making smart use of woody alien plants

It is unquestionable that some alien woody plant species are a major issue for biodiversity conservation. However, being alien species generally adapted to warmer conditions than natives, they could be particularly suited to cope with the new environmental and climatic conditions that are also forecasted in the coming decades in Sicily. This poses an issue that is not easy to deal with, whether trying to use these species for the advantages they could bring, for instance in the new reforestation activities, while avoiding them becoming a serious problem for biodiversity conservation in natural and seminatural areas. Here, we present some study cases of non-native tree species which represent emblematic examples in that regard: Acacia saligna and A. cyclops, Eucalyptus spp., Leucaena leucocephala, Opuntia ficus-indica and Ailanthus altissima. These tree species are very invasive in some ecological contexts, while being useful to meet ecological services in others. A sound planning activity could help distinguish where planting these species could be not only possible but also desirable, from areas where their presence should be totally avoided.

Leucaena interspecific hybrid 'KX4-Hawaii' as a source of agricultural biomass in a water-scarce small island developing state.

Leucaena leucocephala is a useful multipurpose tree species for agroforestry systems, but traditional seeded cultivars often become weedy and invasive. A seedless hybrid cultivar, 'KX4-Hawaii', offers a potential solution to this problem. However, relevant agronomic information and information on the performance of 'KX4-Hawaii' under varying growth conditions is required. The goal of this research was to evaluate 'KX4-Hawaii' as a source of agricultural biomass in Barbados, a small island developing state with limited arable land. 'KX4-Hawaii' air layers were imported into Barbados to create stock trees. Air layering was used to create propagation material and a field study was established with a 'KX4-Hawaii' hedgerow planted as a field border. Three plant spacings (50, 75, and 100 cm) were evaluated and data on the growth and biomass yields of the trees were collected at 4-month intervals. Precipitation data were used to investigate climatic effects on 'KX4-Hawaii' productivity. 'KX4-Hawaii' was successfully propagated via air layers and could be planted directly in the field with irrigation. All recorded growth and biomass yields were correlated with precipitation. However, the woody (lignified stems and branches) biomass was more responsive to precipitation than the green (leaves and green tender stems) biomass and made up a large fraction of the total biomass produced. 'KX4-Hawaii' was productive even under drought conditions and biomass yields per meter of hedgerow increased with closer spacings. Of the tested spacing treatments, 75 cm was optimum for a 4-month pruning interval under the conditions seen in Barbados as it produced similar yields to the 50 cm spacing treatment but would require less propagation material.

SELECTION OF BIOINDICATORS FOR AIR POLLUTION BASED ON PEROXIDASE ACTIVITY OF PLANT SPECIES FOUND IN THE CHEMBUR INDUSTRIAL AREA OF MUMBAI, INDIA -A PRIMARY STEP TO GREEN ZONE ENRICHMENT

Industrialization and population growth are the important factors for the deterioration of air quality in the current scenario. Air pollution monitoring using plants as bioindicators is the best and cheapest way. Oxidative stress induced on plants due to air pollution can be studied using antioxidant peroxidase enzyme activity. The present study aims at the comparative assessment of peroxidase activity of twelve plant species from the Chembur industrial area and less polluted zone of similar ecological conditions for two years. The peroxidase activity was determined using the spectrophotometric method. The observations based on the current investigation revealed a rise in the peroxidase activity of twelve plant species of the industrial zone as compared to the less polluted zone. It may indicate an increase in the resistant capacity of all experimental samples toward the oxidative stress caused due to air pollution. Plant species like Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth, Ricinus communis L., Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit., Albizia saman (Jacq.) Merr, Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex. Correa, Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites, Prosopis juliflora (SW.) DC., Terminalia catappa L. showed higher peroxidase activity values and hence may be used as bioindicators. Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex. Correa, Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites and Terminalia catappa L. being evergreen plants may be planted in good numbers in the Chembur industrial area. It may act as a primary step to ameliorate the industrial air pollution in the Chembur industrial zone by enhancing the green zone. This kind of investigation with other factors may help us to sustain our mother nature for future generations.

Extratos vegetais como promotores de germinação e estabelecimento de plântulas de alface e milho

ABSTRACT: Substances produced by plants have huge importance regulating multiple functions as germination, development promoter/enhancer, yield increaser and activator of plant defense system against diseases and pests. Due to diversity, each plant species produces different compounds and in different concentrations. This research evaluated the role of 20 plants extracts obtained from different plant species or plant tissues on seed germination and seedlings establishment of maize and lettuce, in concentration of 5%, 10% or 20%. For this, two experiments were carried out, the first analyzing 20 plant extracts and the effects on germination percentage and root and shoot length based on the germination test for the two species. The second was carried out in a greenhouse, in a completely randomized design with three and ten repetitions for maize and lettuce, respectively, using only the three extracts with the best results from the first experiment. Seedling height and seedling dry matter were evaluated. To germination test most of extracts showed negative or no effects in both species. Only Conyza bonariensis at 5% and Richardia brasiliensis at 5% and 20% had positive effects on early seedling growth, increasing the seedlings length for maize seedlings. To seedlings establishment, Conyza bonariensis, Leucaena leucocephala and Richardia brasiliensis extracts did not show statistical difference to shoots height but increased the dry mass of shoots and roots. The results demonstrated that these plants extract have potential as growth promoters and can be a good option to a better seedling growth and establishment, collaborating to a more effective agriculture.

Properties of Bark Particleboard Bonded with Demethylated Lignin Adhesives Derived from &lt;i&gt;Leucaena leucocephala&lt;/i&gt; Bark

Properties of Bark Particleboard Bonded with Demethylated Lignin Adhesives Derived from &lt;i&gt;Leucaena leucocephala&lt;/i&gt; Bark

Rumen Microbiology of West African Dwarf Goats Fed Cassava Peels-Based Diets with Varying Levels of Leucaena leucocephala

Rumen Microbiology of West African Dwarf Goats Fed Cassava Peels-Based Diets with Varying Levels of Leucaena leucocephala

Growth and pulpwood traits of Leucaena leucocephala and Eucalyptus camaldulensis at rainfed and irrigated sites in southern India

Growth and wood traits of Leucaena leucocephala subsp. glabrata were compared with India's most widely grown pulpwood, Eucalyptus. Three Leucaena seedlots and sixty-four Leucaena clones selected in plantations established from two Indian land races and a Hawaiian seed source were tested together with five commercial E. camaldulensis clones at two contrasting sites in southern India. At the wetter, irrigated site, the three sources of Leucaena clones had significantly greater 4-year height and similar mean stem diameter to the Eucalyptus clones, while the Leucaena seedlots were slower-growing. At the semi-arid, rainfed site, Eucalyptus grew faster and had better survival than the three sources of Leucaena clones, which again were similar in their performance and superior to the Leucaena seedlots. Basic densities, determined from breast-height wood cores, of 4-year-old Leucaena and Eucalyptus were quite similar (568 and 534 kg m-3 respectively) at the irrigated site, but at the rainfed site Eucalyptus wood density was higher (590 kg m-3), while that of Leucaena was lower (508 kg m-3). The kraft pulp yield (KPY) of Leucaena clones was about 1.5 % higher than Eucalyptus at both sites; KPYs of both species were 1.8 % lower at the rainfed than the irrigated site. Leucaena fibres were 31 % and 39 % longer and 65 % and 58 % wider than Eucalyptus, at the irrigated and rainfed sites respectively, and had lower cell wall proportions. Differences among Leucaena clones were significant for growth traits and for most wood and fibre traits, indicating the potential for selecting fast-growing Leucaena clones with improved wood properties. Clonal Leucaena plantations can serve as a productive and complementary pulpwood crop to Eucalyptus in southern India, increasing the yield and strength of blended pulps.

The Effect of Fertilizer Rate and Pruning Material on Growth and Yield of Carrot (Daucus carota) under Alley Cropping System

The study was conducted at the Agroforestry Farm of Sylhet Agricultural University from October 2020 to March 2021 to evaluate the growth and yield performance of carrot and determine soil fertility status during the hedge establishment period of alley cropping. Hedges for alley cropping were established using ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) and vegetable hummingbirds (Sesbania grandiflora) tree species. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). During the hedge establishment period, the carrot was cultivated in the alley of the hedgerow using four different treatments with three replications. The treatments were T0 (No application of fertilizer and pruning materials), T1 (application of recommended fertilizer dose), T2 (application of half dose of the recommended fertilizer + pruning materials), and T3 (application of pruning materials). The results exhibited that growth parameters, viz. plant height (cm), leaf number per plant, root length (cm), and root diameter (cm) of carrot were almost similar in all treated plots, except control (T0). The carrot yield was statistically similar in all fertilizer and pruning materials treated plots, but it was drastically reduced in the control plots and decreased by about 40-45% compared to fertilizer and pruning materials applied plots. During hedgerow establishment, soil pH among different plots has not changed significantly compared to the initial field, but organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) in different alleys found to be increased significantly in treatment T2 and treatment T1 after carrot cultivation. Improvement in soil fertility was also found in the alleys between the hedgerows of ipil-ipil and vegetable hummingbirds when only pruning material was applied to the soil. Therefore, an alley cropping system with Leucaena leucocephala and Sesbania grandiflora may enhance the yield performance of carrot and organically improve soil fertility during the hedge establishment period.

Use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the nutrition of &lt;i&gt;Leucacephala leucocephala &lt;/i&gt;(Lam.) De wit for forage production

At present, the use of biofertilizers and protein plants in the nutrition of pastures and forage has increased. The investigation was carried out in the University Center of the municipality of Cumanayagua, county of Cienfuegos, Cuba with the objective of evaluating the response of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit to the inoculation of different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) strains. The experiment was carried out in polyethylene bags. The experiment used a random blocks design with three replicates and the following treatments: #1. Soil (Control treatment, without inoculation and NPK application), #2. Soil + inoculation with the AMF strain F. mosseae/INCAM-2, #3. Soil + inoculation with the AMF strain G. cubense/INCAM-4) and #4. Soil + NPK fertilization at plant establishment application of NPK (25, 40 y 120 kg ha-1 de N, P2O5 y K20) + N at each cut at 70% of the initial dose. The inoculation with AMF was simultaneous for all treatments. A establishment cut and five successive cuts were performed, with 51.33 average days between them. The biomass production, the content of gross protein of L. leucocephala in each harvest and the cumulative total, as well as mycorrhizal effectiveness, were quantified. L. leucocephala positively responded to F. mosseae/INCAM-2 inoculation. Biomass production for cut increased between 31,50 % (Treatment #2) y 19,40 % (Treatment #3) with respect to control treatment. Inoculation with F. mosseae/INCAM-2 showed higher mycorrhizal effectiveness. The highest value in gross protein was obtained in the variant with mineral fertilization and the inoculated variants overcame the control treatment, with better performance than treatment # 2 ( Soil+ Funneliformis mosseae/INCAM-2).