Asexual reproduction by horizontal planting of Gliricidia sepium

A study was carried out for one year to assess the, establishment of Gliric idia sepium through asexual reproduction by horizontal planting. A complete ly randomized design in a factorial 2 x 2 arrangement was used. Factors wer e: stem diameter (less than 3 and of 3-6 cm) and segment length (0.75 and 1 .5 m) with 4 replications. There was no interaction between stem segment le ngth and diameter for the indicators of quality and regrowth development. T he length of the stem segment did not affect the number of regrowths. Howev er, with the use of stems with larger diameters (3 to 6 cm) there was a hig her number of regrowths (P < 0.05). Maximum values for the number of regrow ths were obtained at 60 days in both factors. For stem segments 0.75 and 1. 5 m long, the values were of 8.5 and 11.5, respectively, while for diameter they were of 4.5 and 15.5 when this factor varied between <less than or eq ual to> 3 and between > 3 and less than or equal to 6, respectively. The su m of the basal diameter and the length of the regrowths was higher (P < 0.0 5) when 3 to 6 cm stem segments were used. Biomass production in the establ ishment cut did not differ between stem segments of 0.75 and 1.5 m; however , there was more production (P < 0.01) for stem segments of 3 to 6 cm compa red to those of less than 3 cm (3.05 vs 7.65 and 0.84 vs 2.64 t DM/ha) for total biomass and leaves plus Petioles, respectively. The convenience of es tablishing this species under our conditions, through horizontal planting, with stem segments of over 3 cm diameter and 1.5 m length, is concluded. Fu rther studies to assess the survival of the stem segments and forage produc tion established systems under the extended use of this type of planting, a re recommended.