PERFORMANCE OF 15 PROVENANCES OF GLIRICIDIA-SEPIUM IN EASTERN ZAMBIA

Fifteen provenances of Gliricidia sepium from Central and South Americ a were planted at Msekera near Chipata in Eastern Zambia. The trial wa s evaluated at 27 and 39 months after planting for survival, height, d iameter 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 (Guate mala) respectively. Above ground biomass showed a lot of variation bet ween provenances with the production ranging from 8 to 32 t ha-1 for p rovenances 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 P ontezuela (Columbia) respectively. Above ground biomass production for 1 year coppice ranged from 3.37 to 11.76 t ha-1 for provenances Palma sola (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 an d biomass production of G. sepium provenances emphasize the large gene tic 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 ut ilization needs and resistance to pests and diseases before ultimate p rovenances for agroforestry are chosen and/or improved for conditions in the Miombo ecozone.