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Potential of Cytisus and allied genera(Genisteae: Fabaceae) as forage shrubsFernando González‐Andrés a & Jesús María Ortiz a

a Departamento de Biologia Vegetal Escuela Tecnica Superior deIngenieros Agrónomos , Universidad Politécnica de Madrid , Madrid,28040, SpainPublished online: 17 Mar 2010.

To cite this article: Fernando González‐Andrés & Jesús María Ortiz (1996) Potential of Cytisus andallied genera (Genisteae: Fabaceae) as forage shrubs, New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research,39:2, 195-204, DOI: 10.1080/00288233.1996.9513178

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00288233.1996.9513178

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New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1996, Vol. 39: 195-2040028-8233/96/3902-0195 $2.50/0 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 1996

195

Potential of Cytisus and allied genera (Genisteae: Fabaceae) asforage shrubs1. Seed germination and agronomy

FERNANDO GONZÁLEZ-ANDRÉSJESÚS MARÍA ORTIZ

Departamento de Biologia VegetalEscuela Tecnica Superior de Ingenieros

AgrónomosUniversidad Politécnica de Madrid28040 Madrid, Spain

Abstract The potential adaptability of 19 shrubbylegume species belonging to the genus Cytisus andallied genera (Cytisophyllum, Chamaecytisus, andGenista sect. Teline) for arid regions was studied.Twenty-eight accessions were assessed forgermination level, field survival, height anddiametrical growth, and dry matter yields. Allaccessions had high germination, often over 80%,when seeds were scarified with sulphuric acid for40 min. Two germination temperatures were tested:constant 16°C and alternating 21/16°C. Optimumtemperature varied according to the differentspecies. Cytisophyllum sessilifolium, Cytisuspurgans, Cytisus villosus, and Chamaecytisus sp.pi. had more rapid and higher germination at 21/16°C compared with at 16°C. In the field, Genistacanariensis and G. monspessulana had the highestgrowth, and survival around 80%. Chamaecytisusaccessions showed the highest survival and anintermediate growth. Cytisophyllum sessilifolium,Cytisus heterochrous, Cytisus villosus, and G.linifolia presented intermediate growth as well,and survival around 75%, whereas the rest of theCytisus accessions as well as G. tenera, presentedvery low survival rates.

Keywords Cytisophyllum; Cytisus; Genista;Chamaecytisus; Teline; seed germination; fieldsurvival; height growth; diametrical growth; drymatter yield

A95063Received 10 October 1995; accepted 12 February 1996

INTRODUCTION

Multi-purpose trees and shrubs are an importantpart of sustainable agriculture systems in arid andsemi-arid areas throughout the world: United States,Mediterranean Europe, Australia, New Zealand,Middle East, north African countries, South Africa,and the Indian subcontinent (Sankary & Ranjhan,1989). Both trees and shrubs are important as asource of food for domestic livestock and forwildlife in arid and semi-arid lands. They enableincreased livestock carrying capacities (MacKell1975; Lefroy et al. 1992), and are a cheap sourceof valuable forage during dry periods whentraditional pastures often have low yields andquality (Olea et al. 1993; Correal 1995). Trees andshrubs are also useful for preventing soil erosion,which is a major international problem in fivemillion cultivated hectares (Wills 1984; VanKraayenoord & Hathaway 1986; Konig 1992; Oleaet al. 1993). Leguminous species have the additionaladvantage of fixing significant amounts of nitrogen,useful for the ecosystem (Gadgil 1971; Douglas etal. 1994). Wild fires and set-aside programmes forlands that traditionally were devoted to cereal crops,are a major problem in the Mediterranean basin. Onealternative solution for these lands is the establish-ment of agroforestry systems with multiple use ofthe land to develop tourism, wildlife, hunting andsports, combined with extensive grazing of live-stock and game and timber production (Le Houerou1993). Shrubs play a very important role in theMediterranean agroforestry systems (Correal 1988).

Despite high plant diversity, only a few shrubbylegume species have been evaluated intensivelyfor the above-mentioned purposes: Medicagoarborea (Papanastasis 1987; Olea et al. 1993);Chamaecytisuspalmensis (Perez de Paz et al. 1986;Woodfield & Forde 1987; Townsend & Radcliffe1990); Colutea sp. pi. (Roller & Negli 1955;Ceresuela & Pereira 1993); and Dorycniumhirsutum and D. pentaphyllum (Wills et al. 1989;Sancha et al. 1993). According to Brown (1989), apractical study of agronomically useful germplasm

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196 New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1996, Vol. 39

should comprise: (i) a botanical characterisationsurvey (including taxonomic data and geneticmarkers); and (ii) evaluation of agronomic traits.

This work is the first stage of an agronomicevaluation of shrubby legume species belonging tothe tribe Genisteae, to assess their potential valuefor forage shrubs systems. Gonzalez-Andres (1995)conducted a botanical characterisation of these taxa.From the phylogenetic viewpoint, the selectedspecies are closely related to tagasaste (Chamae-cytisus palmensis). Tagasaste has proved to be oneof the most valuable shrubs for forage. However, itis usually affected by frosts and excessive soilmoisture. In order to find species combining thegood qualities of tagasaste with a greater resistanceto the mentioned factors, we have evaluated otherGenisteae species. These species are native to eitherseasonally dry mountainous areas with infertilesoils and heavy winter frosts {Cytisophyllumsessilifolium and Cytisus sp. pi.), or other areas

with long, wet, and cold winters as Chamaecytisussp. pi. The studied species of the genus Genistanaturally occur in dry, mild climate Mediterraneanareas, but a previous experiment conducted in theDepartamento de Biologia Vegetal, UniversidadPolitecnica de Madrid (unpubl. data) showed ahigh resistance of the foliage to heavy frosts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plant materialPlant material was obtained from seeds maintainedat 0-5°C in the germplasm bank of the Departa-mento de Biologia Vegetal, Escuela TecnicaSuperior de Ingenieros Agronomos, UniversidadPolitecnica de Madrid (Spain). Seed age variedbetween 2 and 8 years old for the differentaccessions. All the selected taxa belonged to thegenus Cytisus and allies (Genisteae) (Table 1).

Table 1 Plant material.

GB# Acc.# Species Origin

82428246422682518232_

42368219822082228230—

8218822182248237—

82238226823682258240822881098239821582165476

01020304050607080910111213141516171819202122232425262728

Cytisophyllum sessilifolium (L.) LangCytisus arboreus (Desf.) DC.Cytisus baeticus (Webb) SteudelCytisus grandiflorus DC.Cytisus heterochrous Webb ex ColmeiroCytisus purgans (L.) Boiss.Cytisus reverchonii (Degen & Hervier) BeanCytisus reverchonii (Degen & Hervier) BeanCytisus reverchonii (Degen & Hervier) BeanCytisus scoparius (L.) LinkCytisus scoparius (L.) LinkCytisus striatus (Hill) Rothm.Cytisus striatus (Hill) Rothm.Cytisus villosus PourretChamaecytisus glaber (L.fil.) Rothm.Chamaecytisus glaber (L.fil.) Rothm.Chamaecytisus hirsutus (L.) LinkChamaecytisus podolicus (Blocki) A.KlaskovaChamaecytisus ruthenicus (F.ex Wol.) KlaskovaChamaecytisus ruthenicus (F.ex Wol.) KlaskovaChamaecytisus supinus (L.) LinkGenista canariensis L.Genista linifolia L.Genista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S. JohnsonGenista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S. JohnsonGenista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S. JohnsonGenista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S. JohnsonGenista tenera (Jacq. ex Murr.) O. Kuntze

Madrid B.G. (Spain)Niza B.G. (France)Monchique (Portugal)Trevelez (Granada, Spain)Vistabella (Castellon, Spain)Cotos (Madrid, Spain)Sa Cazorla (Jaen, Spain)Sagra Pass (Granada, Spain)Santiago Espada(Jaen, Spain)La Barranca (Madrid, Spain)Pto.Morcuera(Madrid, Spain)Mora (Portugal)Atazar (Madrid, Spain)Corcega (France)Vacratot B.G. (Hungary)Madrid B.G. (Spain)Madrid B.G. (Spain)Vacratot B.G. (Hungary)Vacratot B.G. (Hungary)Madrid B.G. (Spain)Vacratot B.G. (Hungary)Madrid B.G. (Spain)La Almoraima (Cadiz, Spain)Malaga (Spain)Madrid B.G. (Spain)La Almoraima (Cadiz, Spain)Jimena-Ubrique(Cadiz, Spain)Madeira (Portugal)

GB#: Accession number at the Germplasm Bank in the Departamento de Biologia Vegetal (Universidad Politecnicade Madrid).

Acc.#: Accession number adopted for the present work.B.G. : Botanical Garden.

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Gonzalez-Andres & Ortiz—Agronomy of forage shrubs 197

Twenty-eight accessions, belonging to thefollowing 19 species, were included:(1) Cytisophyllum sessilifolium. Deciduous shrub.

Native to northern and eastern Spain, southernFrance and Italy. In woods and scrub at themontane level.

(2) Cytisus arboreus. Deciduous shrub with greenphotosynthetic stems. Native to Portugal,Spain, France, Algeria, and Morocco. Itappears in scrub at the lower montane level.

(3) Cytisus baeticus. Deciduous shrub with greenphotosynthetic stems. Native to southernPortugal, southwestern Spain, Algeria, andMorocco. Mainly occurs in Quercuspyrenaicawoods.

(4) Cytisus grandiflorus. Deciduous shrub withgreen photosynthetic stems. Native to southernSpain, central and southern Portugal, andMorocco. In scrub at the lower montane andmontane levels.

(5) Cytisus heterochrous. Deciduous shrub withgreen photosynthetic stems. Native to easternSpain. In calcareous soils at the lower montaneand montane levels.

(6) Cytisus purgans. Deciduous shrub with greenphotosynthetic stems. Native to France, Spain,and Portugal. Mainly occurs in siliceous soilsat the montane, alpine, and subalpine levels.

(7) Cytisus reverchonii. Deciduous shrub withgreen photosynthetic stems. Native to south-western Spain. Found mainly in calcareoussoils at the montane level.

(8) Cytisus scoparius. Deciduous shrub with greenphotosynthetic stems. Native to severalsouthern European regions, from Portugal toGreece. Present as a weed all over the world.

(9) Cytisus striatus. Deciduous shrub with greenphotosynthetic stems. Native to France, Spain,and Portugal.

(10) Cytisus villosus. Perennial shrub. Native toSpain, France, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Italy,the former Yugoslavia, Albany, Greece,Turkey, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. Inscrubs and woods at the lower montane andmontane levels. Found in siliceous soils.

(11) Chamaecytisus glaber. Deciduous shrub.Native to western and central Romany,Bulgaria, and the former Yugoslavia.

(12) Chamaecytisus hirsutus. Deciduous shrub.Native to France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy,Austria, the former Czechoslovakia, Hungary,the former Yugoslavia, Albany, Greece,Romany, Bulgaria, and Poland.

(13) Chamaecytisus podolicus. Deciduous shrub.Native to Poland and Ukraine.

(14) Chamaecytisus ruthenicus. Deciduous shrub.Native to eastern Poland, and the former USSRfrom 59° north to the southern border.

(15) Chamaecytisus supinus. Deciduous shrub.Native to northeastern Spain, France,Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Czechoslovakia,Austria, the former Yugoslavia, Albany,Greece, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Romany,the former western USSR, and Turkey. Inwoods and scrubs at the montane level.

(16) Genista canariensis (= Teline canariensis (L.)Webb & Berth.). Perennial shrub. Native tothe Canary Islands. Occurs in laurysilva woodsand scrubs, on sunny slopes.

(17) Genista linifolia (= Teline linifolia (L.) Webb& Berth.). Perennial shrub. Native to easternand southern Spain, France, Corsica, Algeria,and Morocco. Occurs in siliceous soils, at thelower montane and montane levels.

(18) Genista monspessulana (= Teline mon-spessulana (L.) C. Koch). Perennial shrub.Native to Portugal, Spain, France, Corsica,Sardinia, Sicily, Italy, the former Yugoslavia,Albany, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Tunisia,Algeria, and Morocco. Mainly occurs insiliceous soils, in woods and scrub.

(19) Genista tenera. Perennial shrub. Native to theMadeira Islands.

SeedsSeeds were germinated using the methodologydescribed by Gonzalez-Andres et al. (1993). Theywere scarified in concentrated sulphuric acid for40 min, washed with running water, and sown inplastic trays ( 1 8 x 1 1 x 4 cm). The soil mixtureconsisted of washed river sand (50%) and loam(50%). Four trays were used per accession, and 25seeds per tray. The shallow location of the seedsallowed easy observation of the appearance of theradicle. When the radicle reached 3 mm weconsidered that the seed had germinated. Countswere carried out every 5 days. When no incrementin the number of germinated seeds was detectedfor three consecutive observations, we consideredthat maximum germination for that tray had beenreached. The temperature was a constant 16°Cwith a photoperiod of 16 h light/8 h dark. Thoseaccessions with low final germination percentageswere transferred to another chamber at 21°C (light16 h)/16°C (dark 8 h). After seedlings haddeveloped at least two adult leaves, they were

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198 New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1996, Vol. 39

transplanted to 3 cm diameter, 20 cm deep pots,and grown in a glasshouse for 3 months. In spring1992, plants were transplanted to the field. Noartificial Rhizobium inoculation was conducted.For all the species, natural nodulation was observedin roots from the second growing season onwards.However, the efficiency of the soil Rhizobiumstrains for the studied taxa is unknown.

Field evaluationField evaluation was conducted at the EscuelaTecnica Superior de Ingenieros Agronomos,Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (Spain). Theexperimental plot was located at 40°26'N latitude,3°44'W longitude, and 595 m altitude. The soilhad high levels of sand, and low levels of clay andorganic matter (Table 2). It was alkaline with a lowcontent in carbonates. Annual rainfall ranged from230 to 530 mm (Table 3). Average maximum

Table 2 Soil characteristics for the experimental plot(0-60 cm sampling depth). Average slope is 0°.

Sand (%)Silt (%)Clay (%)Organic matter (%)

pH(l/2H2O)Total carbonates (%)Olsen P ppm

(per g dry soil)Conductivity

(umho/cm)

1-30 cm

6814181.4

8.0 alkaline1.448 very high

0.31 regular

30-60 cm

6714190.7

7.8 alkaline1.540 high

0.98 high

temperatures were over 30°C for July and Augustand the minimum under 0°C for January andFebruary. There were four randomised completeblocks and the experimental unit (plot) compriseda single row of three plants at 1 m spacing. Rowswere 1.8 m apart. A black polyethylene sheet wasextended on every line and glyphosate herbicide ata rate of 30% (v/v) was sprayed between lines tokeep the plot weed-free. The trial was systematicallydrip-irrigated in spring and summer during thefirst growing season to aid plant establishment(Table 3).

Measurements and statistical analysisThe germination percentages were calculated forevery tray, and the data transformed according tothe Bliss angular transformation [arcsin (%/100)1/2]before conducting an analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA). Duncan's test was used to comparemeans (P < 0.05).

At the end of the first, second, and third growingseasons (autumn 1992, autumn 1993, and autumn1994 respectively), percentage of survival per plot,and maximum height and maximum diameter foreach plant were measured. Survival was alsoassessed after the first winter (spring 1993). At theend of the experiment (autumn 1994), three plotsper accession were randomly selected and onerandomly selected plant per each plot was harvestedto ground level, and the herbage dried at 105°C for48 h to determine plant top dry weight. Percentagesof survival were transformed according to thepreviously mentioned Bliss transformation beforeconducting the analysis of variance. Appropriatedata were subjected to two-way ANOVA with

Table 3 Climate records for the experimental period. Monthly rainfall (mm) and average monthly maximum andminimum air temperatures.

Rainfall 1992Irrigation 1992Rainfall 1993Rainfall 1994

T max 1992Tmin 1992T max 1993Train 1993Tmax 1994Tmin 1994

Jan

6.2—0.6

21.8

9.2-3.811.3-4.110.9-1.4

Feb

27.2—

41.430.2

13.2-3.212.3-0.412.1-0.6

Mar

13.0-

30.20.0

17.10.4

16.31.4

20.21.8

Apr

40.4_

20.231.2

20.03.6

16.43.3

18.23.4

May

37.435.082.658.4

24.89.7

20.67.5

22.58.6

Jun

70.818.0

103.20.0

22.710.226.811.930.012.1

Jul

13.435.0

0.014.0

32.815.132.614.535.014.2

Aug

33.635.0

7.60.0

31.813.431.913.833.514.0

Sep

22.235.0

7.211.6

27.98.2

24.49.2

24.69.4

Oct

82.6_

203.431.6

17.16.1

15.26.5

20.18.1

Nov

3.8-

33.228.0

16.52.0

12.61.4

15.21.3

Dec

25.0_0.83.6

10.91.7

10.80.9

10.91.3

Annual

375.6158530.4230.4

Tmax> average monthly maximum air temperaturesTmin. average monthly minimum air temperatures

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Gonzalez-Andres & Ortiz—Agronomy of forage shrubs 199

sources of variation being accessions and blocks.Duncan's test was used to compare the means(P< 0.05). The software package SAS (SAS 1985)was used for all the statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Germination percentagesAt constant 16°C (Table 4), Genista monspessulana#25 showed the significantly highest germinationpercentage (100%), and Cytisophyllum sessilifolium(#1) the lowest (11%). A group formed by 20accessions presented percentages ranging from 51to 98%, with an almost continuous variation. Fromthem, Cytisus arboreus (#2), C. baeticus (#3),

C. grandiflorus (#4), C. heterochrous (#5),C. reverchonii (#7, 9), Genista canariensis (#22),G. linifolia (#23), and G. monspessulana (#25,26), showed values over 80%. Another significantlydifferent group presented germination percentagesunder 41%, and was formed by Cytisus purgans(#6), C. villosus (#14), and most of the Chamae-cytisus accessions: C. glaber (#15, 16); C. hirsutus(#17); and C. supinus (#21). The time needed toreach maximum germination rate ranged from 15days in Cytisus arboreus (#2), C. baeticus (#3),C. reverchonii (#7, 9), and Genista sp. pi., to 40days {Cytisophyllum sessilifolium (#1) andChamaecytisus glaber (#15)).

Those species with germination rates under 40%at constant 16°C {Cytisophyllum sessilifolium,

Table 4means.

Maximum germination percentages and number of days needed. Values are accession

Accession

01 Cp. sessilifolium02 Cy. arboreus03 Cy. baeticus04 Cy. grandiflorus05 Cy. heterochrous06 Cy. purgans07 Cy. reverchonii08 Cy. reverchonii09 Cy. reverchonii10 Cy. scoparius11 Cy. scoparius12 Cy. striatus13 Cy. striatus14 Cy. villosus15 Ch. glaber\6Ch. glaber17 C/J. hirsutus18 C&. podolicus19 CA. ruthenicus20 Cft. ruthenicus21 C/;. supinus22 G. canariensis23 G. linifolia24 G. monspessulana25 G. monspessulana26 G. monspessulana27 G. monspessulana28 G. teneraDegree freedom errorPooled standard error

100 seedsweight1

1.360.990.960.740.85-1.131.271.280.770.800.660.620.760.540.650.350.460.530.590.630.530.661.040.930.690.780.76

femp. 16

Max.germination (%)

119880899418876589651172534024362265626532949369

10089787884

0.032

Pbfgdehe0ehidehikghjk1nolm0hiijhimnccdhiaefgg

°C

Days

4015152025

015251525252520204035353525253015151515202015

Temp.

Max.

21/16°C.

germination (%) Days

64

73

7574607298868484

300.029

d

c

ccdcabbb

25

0

2015101510152020

'Taken from Gonzalez-Andres & Ortiz (1995)Values followed by the same letter are not significantly different (Duncan's test, P < 0.05).Cp: Cytisophyllum; Cy: Cytisus; Ch: Chamaecytisus; G: Genista.

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200 New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1996, Vol. 39

Chamaecytisus sp. pi., Cytisus purgans, and SurvivalC. villosus), were transferred to another chamber P l a n t establishment presented some difficulties, asat 21/16°C (day/night) (Table 4). As most of the a l l t h e S p e c i e s w e r e affected by a chlorosis duringChamaecytisus species showed low germination at t h e f i r s t y e a r F r o m t h e s e c o n d growing season16°C, those Chamaecytisus accessions with onwards this problem disappeared and the survivingpercentages over 40% were also tested at 21/16°C, p l a n t s presented good vigour, except for Cytisusbecause we suspected that the requirement of higher purgans (#6) which always had a weak condition,temperatures could be a characteristic of that genus. T h e exceptional foliage health of the perennialFor all the studied accessions, germination s p e c i e s Genista canariensis, G. linifolia, and G.increased at 16/21 °C compared with at 16°C. Final monspessulana in winter is worth mentioning,percentages were in all instances over 60%, close A t the end of the first growing season (autumnto 100% in several Chamaecytisus accessions. In 1992), a group of accessions had 100% survivaladdition, germination was also more rapid, being (Table 5): Cytisus striatus accession #13; all theoften 10—15 days earlier in reaching the final Chamaecytisus accessions; Genista canariensisgermination than at 16°C. (#22); G. linifolia (#23); and G. monspessulana

Table 5 Survival percentages in the experimental plot after the first growing season, after the firstwinter, after the second growing season, and after the third growing season. Values are accessionmeans.

Accession

01 Cp. sessilifolium02 Cy. arboreus03 Cy. baeticus04 Cy. grandiflorus05 Cy. heterochrous06 Cy. purgans07 Cy. reverchonii08 Cy. reverchonii09 Cy. reverchonii10 Cy. scoparius11 Cy. scoparius12 Cy. striatus13 Cy. striatus14 Cy. villosus15 Ch. glaber\6Ch. glaber17 Ch. hirsutus18 Ch. podolicus19 Ch. ruthenicus20 Ch. ruthenicus21 Ch. supinus22 G. canariensis23 G. linifolia24 G. monspessulana25 G. monspessulana26 G. monspessulana27 G. monspessulana28 G. tenera

Degree freedom errorPooled standard error

Autumn 92

925067849275755892845025

10084

10010010010010010010010010084

10010010092

840.145

abcdbeabcababcabcbeababccddaabcaaaaaaaaaabcaaaab

Spring 93

9250428492756758758442252575

1001001001001001001009284599292

10067

840.169

abcdecdeabcababedabedbedeabedabcdeeeabedaaaaaaaababcbedeababaabed

Autumn 93

845033427550178

1767252525759292

100100100929275845992848458

840.154

abccdefgdefghdefgabedcdefgghhghabedfghefghefghabedababaaaabababedabccdefababcabcbede

Autumn 94

8450334275501788

67252525759292

100100100929275845992848458

840.153

abccdefgdefghdefgabedcdefgghhhabedfghefghefghabedababaaaabababedabccdefababcabcbede

Values followed by the same letter are not significantly different (Duncan's test, P < 0.05).Cp: Cytisophyllum; Cy: Cytisus; Ch: Chamaecytisus; G: Genista.

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Gonzalez-Andres & Ortiz—Agronomy of forage shrubs 201

except for accession #24. Another group signi-ficantly different from this included thoseaccessions with survival under 67%: Cytisusarboreus (#2); C. baeticus (#3); C. reverchonii(#8); C. scoparius (#11); and C. striatus (#12).

After the first winter (spring 1993), the survivalof most Genista species (except G. monspessulana#27), decreased to 84-92%. On the other hand,Cytisus baeticus (#3) and C. striatus (#13) haddropped to less than 50% survival.

After the second growing season, all theChamaecytisus accessions and G. monspessulana(#25) showed over 91% survival. Another groupsignificantly different from this included theaccessions with survival under 59%, and comprised

Genista monspesulana (#24) and the genus Cytisusexcept for C. heterochrous (#5), C. scoparius (#10),and C. villosus (#14). During the third growingseason, survival levels were unchanged except forC. reverchonii (#9), which dropped to 8%.Chamaecutisus hirsutus (#17), C. podolicus (#18),and C. ruthenicus (#19) maintained 100% survivalthroughout the evaluation.

Maximum heightAt the end of the first growing season, Cytisusarboreus (#2) and Genista monspessulana (#24—27) were the tallest accessions with heights over66 cm (Table 6). Another group, significantlydifferent from this, included those accessions under

Table 6 Maximun height and diameter at the end of every growing season, and plant tops dry weight at the end ofthe experiment. Values are accession means.

Accession

01 Cp. sessilifolium02 Cy. arboreus03 Cy. baeticus04 Cy. grandiflorus05 Cy. heterochrous06 Cy. purgans07 Cy. reverchonii08 Cy. reverchonii09 Cy. reverchonii10 Cy. scoparius11 Cy. scoparius12 Cy. striatus13 Cy. striatus14 Cy. villosus15 Ch.glaber16 Ch.glaber17 Ch. hirsutus

18 Ch. podolicus19 Ch. ruthenicus20 Ch. ruthenicus21 Ch. supinus22 G. canariensis23 G. linifolia24 G. monspessulana25 G. monspessulana26 G. monspessulana27 G. monspessulana28 G. tenera

Degree freedom errorPooled standard error

Max.

Autumn 92

height(cm)

4066252622

926172813113015323145383348502733457883827626

1588.35

cdeabdefgdefgefgg***

fg***cdefcdefcdcdecdefbebedefgcdefcdaaaadefg

Max. diam.(cm)

32 d62 a31 d15 i8 t5 h

231126

8 h8

171525 135 c46 a52 a35 c54 i51 a41 b29 d28 <45 b40 b41 b43 b29 d

1587.20

defgi

defgghi

i

gcdefabedibecdefababcbedefdefgefgbedebedefbedefbedefdefg

Maxhe

Autumn 93

height(cm)

94 d112 (

113 c48 k

119 c2143356057 132733798 c69 g

88 d73 f52 i76 f79 f54 i

111 (95 c

174 a148 b160 E

156 E

defcdd

hijk

deghijkdefgghijjkefghiefghjkcdcdefi

>

abab

50 jk

15810.39

Max. diam.

1061171246480235350706152

1026296

11313512690

13111999

15510915614117816789

1583.98

(cm)

efghidefghcdefghjkijk1**lit

jk***ghidefghicdecdefgijkcdefdefghfghiabcdefghiabcbedaabhij

Max. height(cm)

113 t135 1141 b69 ghi

128 t28 j7055

10077 153

12270

116 b79 i96 d85 f63 187 e91 (71 1

136 1111 (198 t178 i186 a187 i59 I

15811.24

cd)C

i

ghi3C

ghi

>cdghidefghili

efghiefgghi)C

;dei

i

i

L

Autumn 94

Max. (liam.(cm)

13014514683

101328070

1108972

14290

129131168141110161140129191151209183220200106

15815.53

fghifghfghjk

ij1**

jk*

*ghi1ghicdeffghhijdefgfghShiibed:fgibjedeaabchij

Dry matter(per plant, g)

750961

1233264503

55365210950462291385125953544980654578861682887810

12001909115614341383363

44315.5

ghijfcdnklm0*

*

m***

1gelmsfjkl

jkl1ghlijkfghFghi;daiebbemn

*No statistical analysis was carried out because of the low number of survivals.Values followed by the same letter are not significantly different (Duncan's test, P < 0.05).Cp: Cytisophyllum; Cy: Cytisus; Ch: Chamaecytisus; G: Genista.

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202 New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1996, Vol. 39

45 cm: Cytisophyllum sessilifolium (#1); Cytisusbaeticus (#3); Cytisus grandiflorus (#4); Cytisusheterochrous (#5); Cytisus purgans (#6); Cytisusreverchonii (#7-9); Cytisus scoparius (#10, 11);Cytisus striatus (#12, 13); Cytisus villosus (#14);Chamaecysisus glaber (#15, 16); Chamaecytisushirsutus (#17); Chamaecytisus podolicus (#18);Chamaecytisus supinus (#21); Genista canariensis(#22); Genista linifolia (#23); and Genista tenera(#28).

At the end of the second and third growingseasons, three significantly different groups weresharply distinguished. One of them included thetallest species (over 148 cm in autumn 1993 and178 cm in autumn 1994) and comprised all theGenista monspessulana accessions. The shortestspecies was Cytisus purgans (#6) (21 cm in autumn1993 and 28 in autumn 1994). The third groupincluded several accessions with intermediateheights.

Maximum diameterAt the end of the first growing season, there weretwo significantly different groups (Table 6). Thefirst one consisted of those accessions withdiameters over 45 cm: Cytisus arboreus (#2);Chamaecytisus glaber (#16); Chamaecytisushirsutus (#17); and Chamaecytisus ruthenicus (#19,20). The other group included several Cytisusspecies (C. grandiflorus (#4), C. heterochrous (#5),C. purgans (#6), C. reverchonii (#7-9), C.scoparius (#10,11), C. striatus (#12,13), C. villosus(#14), and Genista linifolia (#23)), with diametersunder 28 cm.

At the end of the second and third growingseasons, Genista canariensis (#22) and G.monspessulana (#24—27) were the accessions withlargest diameters, over 141 cm in autumn 1993 and183 cm in autumn 1994. On the other hand, Cytisuspurgans (#6) presented the significantly lowestvalue (32 cm in autumn 1994). The remainingaccessions had intermediate diameters.

Plant tops dry matterDry matter (DM) yields ranged from 55 g (Cytisuspurgans (#6)) to 1909 g [Genista monspessulana(#24)] (Table 6). All the G. monspessulanaaccessions (#24-27) and Cytisus baeticus (#3)produced more than 1000 g/plant. Cytisusgrandiflorus (#4), C. reverchonii (#7, 8), C.scoparius (#10, 11), C. striatus (#12, 13), and G.tenera (#28) produced less than 500 g/plant.

DISCUSSION

Almost half of the accessions had germinationlevels over 75% at a constant temperature of 16°C:Cytisus arboreus; C. baeticus; C. grandiflorus; C.heterochrous; C. reverchonii; and Genista sp. pi.Cytisus scoparius and C. striatus had germinationlevels of 50-70%. Conversely, germination ofCytisophyllum sessilifolium, Cytisus purgans, C.villosus, and most of the Chamaecytisus accessions,was under 40%. However, when these accessionswere transferred to a chamber with alternatingtemperatures (21/16°C), germination increased to60-98%. These results suggested that thescarification method was an adequate pre-treatmentfor germination, although the optimum temperaturevaried according to the different species. Our resultsagree with those obtained by other authors workingwith the same or closely related species: Perez dePaz et al. (1986) and Reghunath et al. (1994) withChamaecytisus palmensis; Tarrega et al. (1992)with Cytisus scoparius; and Gonzalez-Andres etal. (1993) with Cytisus heterochrous. In thesestudies, germination rates increased significantlywith different scarification systems, althoughoptimum temperatures and scarification times hadimportant influence on final percentages. Theseresults indicate that the dormancy in the studiedspecies resulted from mechanical restriction of theseed coat rather than from the physiology of theembryo. In view of the high germination levels formany accessions, field establishment from seed,which is currently being studied by the authors,could be a successful option.

Chamaecytisus accessions, as well as Cytiso-phyllum sessilifolium, Cytisus heterochrous, Cytisusvillosus, and Genista accessions [except G. teneraand G. monspessulana (#24)] had survival levelsof over 75%. Conversely, the rest of the Cytisusaccessions, as well as G. tenera and G. mon-spessulana (#24), often had survival levels under50%. We therefore consider these accessionsinadequate for large-scale introductions in the openfield. For Cytisophylum sessilifolium and Cytisusaccessions, plant death mainly occurred during thefirst and second springs. This resulted from a fungalinfection around the plant neck because of highsoil moisture levels and mild climatic conditionsduring the spring. The trial was located on a plainarea, whereas these species naturally grow on slopeswhere excessive soil moisture is not so likely tooccur. Other shrubby legumes such as tagasaste(Chamaecytisus palmensis) are also very sensitive

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Gonzalez-Andres & Ortiz—Agronomy of forage shrubs 203

to high soil moisture levels around the neck. Acomparatively low number of individuals ofCytisophyllum sessilifolium and Cytisus were killedduring winter, indicating that they are cold-tolerant.On the other hand, plant deaths for Genistaaccessions mainly occurred during the first winter.During the third growing season, all plants of allaccessions survived [except Cytisus reverchoniiaccession (#9)], despite this being the driest andhottest summer. The results indicated that thespecies exhibited acceptable levels of droughttolerance.

It can be deduced from Table 6, that maximumgrowth occurred during the second growing season,with growth rate during this period beingapproximately twice that of the third year. Thiscould be because of the mild climatic conditionsduring the second versus the third year. Genistacanariensis and G. monspessulana showed themaximum growth and DM production. At the endof the experiment, G. monspessulana was almost2 m high, which would be out of reach of browsingsheep. Oldham et al. (1991) described this problemfor tagasaste. Complementary studies are beingconducted to establish if browsing from earlydevelopmental stages can keep the plant within thegrazing height of sheep. Cytisus baeticus alsoproduced large amounts of DM, whereas Cytisuspurgans had very poor production. The rest of theaccessions showed intermediate growth and DMproduction. Chamaecytisus species height wasabout 1 m, maximum diameter about 1.5 m, andDM production around 800 g/plant. For sheepbrowsing, plants with a predominant horizontalgrowth habit are preferable to those withpredominant vertical growth. For this reason, theChamaecytisus species have a growth habit thatlooks adequate for sheep browsing.

Genista canariensis and G. monspessulana hadthe highest growth rates, and survival around 80%[except G. monspessulana (#24)]. Chamaecytisusaccessions showed the highest survival, and anintermediate growth. Cytisophyllum sessilifolium,Cytisus heterochrous, Cytisus villosus, and Genistalinifolia had intermediate growth as well, andsurvival around 75%. However, the rest of theCytisus accessions and Genista tenera had fieldsurvivals which were too low for them to beconsidered for practical field plantings.

The plant spacing used (1 m between plantsand 1.8 m between lines) does not seem to be themost adequate for practical field plantings. Thosespecies with the highest growth rate {Genista

canariensis and Genista monspessulana) shouldbe planted at least 2.5 m apart for optimumefficiency in light use. Chamaecytisus species,Cytisophyllum sessilifolim, Cytisus villosus, andGenista linifolia could be planted at a slightlysmaller distance apart, about 2 m. More work shouldbe conducted to determine the plant spacing foroptimum DM production.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank Dr. G. B. Douglas (AgResearch Grasslands,Palmertson North, New Zealand) for his practical adviceabout shrub evaluation methods, and Dr. C. Rodriguez(Departamento de Alimentacion Animal, UniversidadPolitecnica de Madrid, Spain), for his assistance withthe computerised statistical analysis.

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