Abstract:
Performance evaluation was 'conducted among 21 provenances of Sesbania macrantha from 9 regions
of Tanzania and one region of Rwanda. The trial was established in February, 1996 at Gairo,
Morogoro, Tanzania. Assessments were carried out at 6, 12 and 15 months for survival, root-collar diameter
and height. Biomass production was ass(!ssed during the last assessment occasion. Significant
variation among the provenances for survival, root-collar diameter, height and biomass production was
observed. The Andago (Arusha) provenance achieved greatest survival (83.3%) followed by the
Biharamulo (Kage ra) and Kisabya (Kigoma) provenances (80.0%), while Miabeze (Mbeya) provenance
had least survival 0/20.0%. No significant differences were observed in mean root-collar diameter and
height from the (jh to 15th monih after planting. Biharamulo(Kagera) provenance was found to be outstanding
in respect ofJotal biomass production (12.2 t ha .1), followed by Chala (Rukwa) provenance
(10.3 t ha .1). Kangamo (Mbeya) provenance had the least total biomass production of 2. 3 t ha .1. Overall,
the Andago, Biharamulo, Chala, Kikomakoma, Kisabya and Banda provenances were the best perfonners
while the Lundamoto, Miabeze, Kibondo, Kishoju, Kidiama, Wondo and Kangamo failed to put
on promising growth. It is recommended that Sesbania macrantha provenances from Andago,
Biharamulo and Chala be used in improvedfallow/relay cropping systems in Gairo and other areas with
similar environmental conditions in that order of priority.
