Cloning of erect, thornless, non-browsed nitrogen fixing trees of Haiti's principal fuelwood species (Prosopis juliflora)

Cloning of erect, thornless, non-browsed nitrogen fixing trees of Haiti's principal fuelwood species (Prosopis juliflora)

Background

Prosopis juliflora (bayawon in Creole) is a spiny leguminous tree that is used throughout arid regions of Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean for fuelwood and fodder.  Due to its genetic diversity, pod protein and carbohydrate content varies widely, suggesting advantages of clonal reproduction. This Haiti-based study tests exotic and native varieties of Prosopis for growth rates.

Research and methods

The progeny of 44 varieties both endemic to Haiti and from other locations in the Americas were propagated in randomized blocks at an experiment station in Haiti. The stand was unintentionally subjected to goat browse at 2 years, creating additional selection pressure. Height was measured at 4 years and cuttings of the tallest five individuals were taken for further propagation via cleft grafting.

Conclusions and takeaways

All five of the selected individuals were of Peruvian origin, suggesting greater competitiveness of these strains. While these grafts successfully survived on several rootstocks, the most growth was achieved on P. alba rootstock. This study suggests that P. spp. of Peruvian origin show the greatest performance in droughty conditions on saline soils.

Reference: 

wojtusik T, Felker P, Russell EJ, Benge MD. Cloning of erect, thornless, non-browsed nitrogen fixing trees of Haiti\textquotesingles principal fuelwood species (Prosopis juliflora). Agroforestry Systems. 1993;21:293–300. doi:10.1007/bf00705248.

Affiliation: 

  • Center for Semi-Arid Forest Resources, Texas A&I University, Kingsville, TX
  • Baptist Haiti Mission, MFI, W. Palm Beach, FL
  • U.S. Agency for International Development, Washington, DC