Resumo

SANCHEZ, A; MIQUILENA, O  e  FLORES, R. Behavior of Leucaena leucocephala during establishment irrigated by the drop irrigation system in a semi-arid environment. Rev. Fac. Agron. [online]. 2003, vol.20, n.3, pp.352-363. ISSN 0378-7818.

In order to evaluate the establishment of L. leucocephala irrigaded by traditional drip irrigations methods in semi-arid enviroments , a study was carried out in the town of La Meseta in the Democracy Municipality in Falcon State. Three genetic materials were evaluated: Selection INIA-Zulia (MG1), ecotype 17223 (MG2) and local germplasm (MG3). The irrigation system was the traditional drip irrigation system, with an estimated daily consumption of 4 mm, water sheet of 54 mm/irrigation, and an application frequency of 3 days. The variables that were studied were: architecture of the plant and absolute rate of growth (TAC). The experimental design employed was random blocks with four (4) repetitions and the averages were compared by the Duncan test. The MG1 at level for the main trunk is shown to be superior (P<0.01) in relation to plant height and trunk diameter. The number of leaves was not different (P>0.01) in relation to MG3. The TAC evidenced, a slight tendency to be greater in MG1, followed by by MG3.

Palavras-chave : Leucaena; plant architecture; growth rate; traditional drip irrigating.