Performance of Selected Browse Species in the Greenhouse.

Inclusion of browse species in the grazing land for small ruminants can be very useful to extend the duration of forage availability, provide the variety in diet, and minimize the internal parasite problems. However, not much information is available on how various browse species would perform under different cultivation and management conditions. The objective of this research was to assess the performance of selected browse species grown in the greenhouse. Mulberry (Morus alba L.), White lead tree (Leucaena leucocephala Lam.), Bush Indigo (Amorpha fructicosa L.) and Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin Durazz) were planted in pots in the greenhouse facility of Tuskegee University in February 2014. Seeds were used as planting material for all species except mulberry, for which stem cuttings were used. Plants were watered and fertilized as needed. Disease and pest infestation in the plants were monitored, removed manually or brought the plants out of the greenhouse. In September 2014, plant height, stem diameter, and diameter of primary branches were measured. Height (116.49±1.576 cm) and stem diameter (7.16±0.107 mm) were highest for white lead tree among the leguminous browse. Average stem (cutting) diameter of mulberry was (10.76±0.265 mm) with branch height ranging from 1 cm to 76 cm and diameter ranging from 0.31 to 17 mm. White flies (Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood), Cottony Cushion Scales (Icerya purchasi Maskell), and sooty mold (Ascomycete fungi) were the major pests that affected the plants. These plants are now transplanted on the field and further study is under progress.

Key words: Mulberry, White lead tree, Mimosa, Bush indigo