Suitable Leucaena genotypes for shallow black soils of northern dry zone of Karnataka

Leucaena leucoephala is an important nitrogen fixing multipurpose toe recom mended for shallow vertisols. It is a low fuel wood producer and is highly susceptible to psyllid bug, resulting in very low profit and affecting qual ity and quantity of forage. To identify suitable genotypes for minor timber and forage production, two separate studies were carried our at Regional R esearch Station, Bijapur (Karnataka) during 1990-95 and 1992-95, respective ly. Results of first study indicated that among the eight genotypes, variet y K-636 (L. leucocephala) produced high woody biomass and less seed, and ha d greater tolerance to psyllid bug. Hereropsylla cubana (Crawford) was foun d suitable for minor timber. In the second study, among 10 genotypes, prove nance K-740 (L. collensi) was found better Cor forage production, since it was resistant to psyllid bug, which is detrimental for Leucaena based forag e production system.