Abstract

SUAREZ, Hallely et al. Morphoagronomic characterization and protein content evaluation in two genotypes of Clitoria ternatea L. cultivated on a trellis system. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2012, vol.35, n.4, pp.365-379. ISSN 0864-0394.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the morphoagronomic characteristics and the protein percentage of two genotypes: blue (BG) and white (WG), of the forage legume butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), cultivated on a trellis system, in Venezuela. Thirty-eight morphological and growth characteristics were evaluated, with a completely randomized experimental design. At 15 days of age the plants showed equal main stem length, number of nodes (Nn), number of leaves in the main stem (NLMS) and number of leaves in the plant, indicators which increased with age. Nn had a similar performance as NLMS and the vegetative stage lasted 30 days, when the first-order lateral branches developed and after 45 days the second-order branches developed. Pentafoliolate leaf shooting indicated the onset of flowering. Both genotypes showed a similar performance in the development stages: vegetative, flowering and production. BG showed higher vigor, high branching capacity and maximum values in leaf width and flower length, and WG had high pod and seed production; these characteristics constitute important morphological indicators in both genotypes. BG showed a higher content of CP (32,05%) at 90 days of age. To use this herbaceous legume as short-term protein source, because of its fast growth and high dry matter (89,48-90,35%) and CP (32,05-29,50%) contents is recommended; as well as to conduct other studies related to the management of this crop.

Keywords : Agronomic characteristics; Clitoria ternatea; protein content.

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