GROWTH ANALYSIS OF VEGETATIVE AND SEXUAL PROPAGULES OF COCOITE (Gliricidia sepium)

Abstract

Gliricidia sepium (Jack.) Walp. is a native species from México, commonly used both for forage and firewood production, which can be reproduced by seeds or cuttings. In this study growth rate and biomass allocation during six months, of seedlings and cuttings using a sample of ten parental trees of Gliricidia sepium from two locations (Tabasco and Veracruz), are compared. Results showed that when cuttings were obtained from vigorous trees, such as those from Tabasco, shoots grown from cuttings elongated faster and yielded 40 % more of aerial biomass, particularly in the stems, than the seedlings. Shoots grown from cuttings collected in Veracruz grew slower and had 8 % less dry matter in the stems than those from Tabasco. Results also showed differences among parental trees regarding their ability to produce forage and wood.