Introduction and Evaluation of Tropical Forages in Various Ecosystems of Costa Rica

Abstract

In 1987, three germplasm screening sites were established in Costa Rica for Central America and the Caribbean islands. They represent typical agroecological conditions where cattle are raised : namely subhumid, seasonal and humid tropics. Field work in 1987-88 concentrated on establishing grasses and legumes for trial evaluation of 31 genera and 88 species for a total of 790 accessions. Seed multiplication plots (9 ha) of promising materials were also established, as well as grazing tri­als and on-farm research activities. Preliminary results showed that some accessions of Andropogon gayanus, Brachiaria spp, Panicum maximum, Cen­trosema brasilianum, Arachis pintoi and Desmodium ovalifolium have considerable potential in ecosystems of this region where intensive mixed-farming systems predominate