Preliminary studies on the influence of boron on forage quality of the pasture legume Desmodium ovalifolium

  • A. Schmidt University of Hohenheim-Germany
  • B. Heider University of Hohenheim-Germany
  • R. Schultze Kraft University of Hohenheim-Germany

Abstract

The knowledge about genotype x environment interactions on quality components of tropical legumes is rather limited. In relation to plant nutrition it is assumed that micronutrients could have a major influence on forage quality since they are often essential constituents of enzymes and other proteins. Among the micronutrients boron (B) is required in plants in larger quantities than any other, although its function is not entirely clear yet. In this paper the role of B in plants is reviewed and results of an exploratory glasshouse experiment with two Desmodium ovalifolium genotypes are presented. They suggest a correlation between B concentration in the soil and forage quality traits of the species. Boron seems to reduce soluble tannin content and astringency in leaves, resulting in a higher in vitro digestibility of leaves. An indepth study under highly controlled climate chamber conditions is proposed.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
Published
2011-09-15
How to Cite
Schmidt, A., Heider, B., & Schultze Kraft, R. (2011). Preliminary studies on the influence of boron on forage quality of the pasture legume Desmodium ovalifolium. Revista De La Facultad De Agronomía De La Universidad Del Zulia, 17(3). Retrieved from https://produccioncientificaluz.org/index.php/agronomia/article/view/26360
Section
Animal Production