Eduardo Machado, Marcelo Rodrigues, Eduardo Pereira Jr, Flavio Kaneko, Vanessa Galati, Gervasio Pegoraro, José C B Dubeux Jr, Evandro Muniz, Flavia van Cleef, Eric H C B van Cleef
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp (G. sepium) is a versatile leguminous tree with significant potential for enhancing ecosystem services and supporting sustainable agriculture. Its ability to adapt to varying planting densities is crucial for maximizing biomass yield and forage quality. This study investigated the anatomical, productive, and bromatological responses of G. sepium to different planting densities, testing the hypothesis that increased density induces anatomical adaptations that enhance biomass production. A randomized block experiment evaluated three planting densities (10,000, 20,000, and 30,000 plants ha⁻¹), analyzing micromorphometric traits, biomass yield, bromatological composition, and key correlations among these variables. Leaf micromorphometric analysis revealed density-dependent changes in the abaxial epidermal surface, upper and lower collenchyma, lacunar parenchyma, and stomatal number and density. In stems, significant variations were observed in the medullary radius, cortex, and periderm, while roots exhibited structural modifications in the periderm and phloem. Higher planting densities positively influenced vegetative growth, with total edible plant length increasing linearly (P = 0.002), with no change in total forage production (P > 0.10). Among bromatological traits, hemicellulose content showed a decreasing trend as planting density increased (P = 0.09). Strong correlations between micromorphometric, biometric, productive, and bromatological variables suggested an integrated structural and functional adaptation to planting density. A density of 30,000 plants ha⁻¹ was optimal, balancing anatomical development, productivity, and quality. These findings confirm the phenotypic plasticity of G. sepium, demonstrating its ability to structurally and functionally adapt under intensive planting conditions. Such adaptations enhance its potential for high-yield forage production, supporting its domestication and sustainable use for ruminant feeding systems.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Animal Science (JAS) is the premier journal for animal science and serves as the leading source of new knowledge and perspective in this area. JAS publishes more than 500 fully reviewed research articles, invited reviews, technical notes, and letters to the editor each year.
Articles published in JAS encompass a broad range of research topics in animal production and fundamental aspects of genetics, nutrition, physiology, and preparation and utilization of animal products. Articles typically report research with beef cattle, companion animals, goats, horses, pigs, and sheep; however, studies involving other farm animals, aquatic and wildlife species, and laboratory animal species that address fundamental questions related to livestock and companion animal biology will be considered for publication.