Publication:
Here comes the Sunn: A comprehensive analysis of the cover crop sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) and its potential for seed production and weed control in Puerto Rican agricultural systems

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Authors
Chan Halbrendt, Jacqueline
Embargoed Until
Advisor
Morales Payán, José P.
College
College of Agricultural Sciences
Department
Department of Crops and Agro-Environmental Sciences
Degree Level
M.S.
Publisher
Date
2010
Abstract
The cover crop Crotalaria juncea L. has been recognized for its high biomass production, nitrogen-fixation, and allelopathic properties. However, extensive studies have not been conducted to assess the behavior of different C. juncea accessions in Puerto Rico. Studies were conducted from 2008-2009 to analyze the production and response to changes in photoperiod of 16 C. juncea accessions, as well as C. juncea performance under different planting densities (10, 25 and 40 lb/ac) and apical treatments (no cutting, cutting at 3, 4, and 5 weeks after planting) with respect to their potential for production of biomass, seed, and weed suppression. Results showed that despite photoperiod changes, the accessions ‘Nigeria’, ‘Texas 374’ and ‘T’ai-yang-ma’ have potential for biomass and/or seed production in Puerto Rico. Additionally, the highest biomass and seed yields were obtained with a planting density of 25 lb/ac, and apical cuttings did not improve C. juncea yields or weed suppression.

La cobertura Crotalaria juncea L. es reconocida por su alta producción de biomasa, fijación de nitrógeno y propiedades alelopáticas. Sin embargo, no se han realizado investigaciones extensas para evaluar el comportamiento de accesiones de C. juncea en Puerto Rico. Se realizaron investigaciones en Lajas, Puerto Rico, durante 2008-2009 para analizar la respuesta a los cambios en fotoperíodo de 16 accesiones de C. juncea, y el efecto de densidades de siembra (10, 25 y 40 lb/ac) y cortes apicales (no cortes, cortes a las 3, 4, y 5 semanas después de la siembra) en la producción de biomasa y semilla, así como la supresión de malezas. Los resultados muestran que en diferentes fotoperíodos las accesiones ‘Nigeria’, ‘Texas 374’ y ‘T’ai- yang-ma’ presentan potencial para producción de biomasa y/o semilla en Puerto Rico. En adición, la mayor producción de biomasa y semilla se obtuvo con la densidad de siembra de 25 lb/ac. Los cortes apicales no mejoraron la productividad de C. juncea ni su capacidad para suprimir malezas.
Keywords
Crotalaria juncea L.,
Nitrogen-fixation,
Allelopathic properties,
Density,
Densidad
Cite
Chan Halbrendt, J. (2010). Here comes the Sunn: A comprehensive analysis of the cover crop sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) and its potential for seed production and weed control in Puerto Rican agricultural systems [Thesis]. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11801/1228