Evaluation of some Stylosanthes accessions for subhumid conditions of Nigeria

It has always been difficult to find forage legumes with the production characteristics that can help maximise animal performance, and that are also adapted to the alternating wet and dry seasons of the subhumid zone of africa. Among the characters in demand are drought tolerance, good herbage production and plant persistence, either through regeneration after burning or heavy grazing or through self-seeding. Ideally they should also provide a good quality, standing hay crop that will help sustain aniamls through the dry season. Another important attribute is disease resistance, because the wet season usually provides conditions ideal for disease development and advancement. Stylosanthes spp. have many of the qualities demanded by African conditions but disease, in particular anthrracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporoides, has restricted their use. One species, S. hamata cv Verano, a selection made by scientists from Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, combines disease resistance with the other favourable agronomic characteristics. This species has been widely planted in the tropics and has the potential for even further spread. However, whether Verano's disease resistance will be maintained is uncertain; if new virulent strains of anthracnose arise, they could nullify all the advantages of Verano-based pasture improvement. Because if this threat, ILCA scientists have screened a range of potentially useful Stylosanthes spp. that could either outperform, or substitute for Verano if its disease resistance breaks down. This paper gives details of their agronomic performance and disease resistance, and identifies four accessions that show promise for the subhumid zone

Kanwa cattle salt as a potential micronutrient fertilizer in Nigeria's middle belt

Until recently kanwa has primarily been known as a mineral supplement fed to traditionally managed cattle in central and northern Nigeria. Preliminary studies carried out by ILCA's Subhumid Zone Programme in 1984 indicated its potential as an economically attractive source of plant micronutrients. A 200 kg/ha increase in the crude protein yield of stylo (Stylosanthes hamata cv. Verano) was obtained by applying 50kg of kanwa per ha, at a total cost of only US$ 5.00

Africa: Browse in the nutrition of livestock - a review

Reviews literature on productivity & nutritive value of shrubs for livestock production in Africa. Includes suggestion on areas for further research & development

Annex 1. A. Common terminologies in pasture and forage science. B. Tropical pasture and forage species in the subhumid zone

Defines some of the terms commonly used and misused in forage production and management in relation to farming systems research. Also provides a quick reference of some of the pasture and forage species found in the subhumid zone of Nigeria

Effect of the naturally occurring salt 'Kanwa' as a fertilizer on the productivity of Stylosanthes in the subhumid zone of Nigeria

Reports the response of two stylo cultivars, viz, stylosanthes hamata cv verano and stylosanthes guianensis cv cook to 'Kanwa' - a naturally occuring salt traditionally used as a cattle lick - but which shows the presence of various essential nutrients for plants. Discusses the implications to agropastoral production system

Evaluation de varietes de stylosanthes adoptees aux conditions de la zone subhumide du Nigeria

It has always been difficult to find forage legumes with the production characteristics that can help maximise animal performance, and that are also adapted to the alternating wet and dry seasons of the subhumid zone of africa. Among the characters in demand are drought tolerance, good herbage production and plant persistence, either through regeneration after burning or heavy grazing or through self-seeding. Ideally they should also provide a good quality, standing hay crop that will help sustain aniamls through the dry season. Another important attribute is disease resistance, because the wet season usually provides conditions ideal for disease development and advancement. Stylosanthes spp. have many of the qualities demanded by African conditions but disease, in particular anthrracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporoides, has restricted their use. One species, S. hamata cv Verano, a selection made by scientists from Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, combines disease resistance with the other favourable agronomic characteristics. This species has been widely planted in the tropics and has the potential for even further spread. However, whether Verano's disease resistance will be maintained is uncertain; if new virulent strains of anthracnose arise, they could nullify all the advantages of Verano-based pasture improvement. Because if this threat, ILCA scientists have screened a range of potentially useful Stylosanthes spp. that could either outperform, or substitute for Verano if its disease resistance breaks down. This paper gives details of their agronomic performance and disease resistance, and identifies four accessions that show promise for the subhumid zone

Grain yields of maize and the nitrogen contribution following Stylosanthes pasture in the Nigerian subhumid zone

An experiment conducted to study the nitrogen contribution from stylosanthes fodder banks of different ages to succeeding maize crops. Discusses the implications for the development of traditional agro-pastoral production systems

Screening forage species

Discusses the three steps involved in a screening programme, viz, introduction, observation and evaluation

Performance of Stylosanthes hamata cVerano as influenced by nutrient changes

An experiment conducted to assess the nature of nutrient problems with a view to improving the performance of Verano stylo at the ILCA site (Kaduna). Shows the rates of nutrient application, composition and drymatter yields by varying nutrient additions and in two growing seasons. Also shows P and Cu application on Dm yield