Leucaena KX2: propagation aspects

Abstract

Many livestock producers in parts of tropical Queensland and in developing countries regard leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) as the premium forage shrub. It possesses many of the attributes sought in a shrub forage plant; however, to other members of the community, some of these attributes, particularly its high seed production and capacity to spread into non-target areas, make it an environmental weed. The hybrid leucaena, known as KX2 (Leucaena leucocephala x L. pallida) is psyllid-resistant and more productive in terms of total biomass than L. leucocephala but does not produce abundant seed. Although it is most unlikely to present a weed risk, it is difficult to establish for livestock production or as a multipurpose shrub legume. Simple vegetative propagation methods need to be developed.