Diversity among Stylosanthes
species: Habitat, edaphic and agro-climatic
affinities leading to cultivar development
A. Chandra
Indian
Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi - 284 003, India
(Received:
October 04, 2007;
Revised received: March
06, 2008; Accepted: April 10, 2008)
Abstract: Since the introduction of Stylosanthes, a range legume, in India in early seventies extensive
efforts have been made for its evaluation and adaptation. However, limited germplasm and narrow genetic base were major impediments in
its wider adaptations. Of late, introduction of several new improved germplasm including newly identified species, cultivars and
bred materials from Australia, Colombia, Brazil and Ethiopia and their
evaluation? at selected centers under
different agro-climatic conditions improved the existing scenario as many lines
including S. scabra RRR as well as newly introduced
species S. seabrana has shown great promise for
diverse agro-climatic zones. Because of concerted efforts which was largely
generated from the recently concluded Austrialian
Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) stylo
project and background study during the period of early eighties Stylosanthes has been considered as the most important
tropical legume which not only improve the soil fertility but also provide
nutritive forage. Two species namely S. hamata and S.
scabra largely contribute to the supply of forages
for cattle, buffalo, goats and sheep. As a nitrogen fixing legume, the plant
helps replenish soil nutrients when used in ley
farming, mixed and inter-cropping systems.?
The scenario has largely changed due to the better performance of newly
introduced S. seabrana species which possessed high
seedling vigour, high nutritional parameters and
better adaptation under rain-fed situations in heavy clay and cracking soil
types. It provides good foliage and being erect and low sticky in nature showed
compatibility for mixed cropping. Results also demonstrated reasonable yield in
first year by all four major species which ultimately geared up in second year
of growth. This was stable in S. hamata and S. viscosa for another two years whereas other two species
namely S. scabra and S. seabrana
indicated enhanced yield in consecutive years.
Key
words: Agro-climatic condition,
Diversity, DNA markers, Forage,? Rain-fed environment, Stylosanthes species
PDF of full length paper
is available online
Copyright ? 2009 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any
form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity
of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest
completely with the author(s).
