FIELD EVALUATION OF Lablab Purpureus (L.) SWEET ACCESSIONS FOR DROUGHT TOLERANCE IN THE NIGERIAN MOIST SAVANNA

Abstract

Profitable livestock production during dry season in the moist savanna of Nigeria is limited by lack of adequate feed. However, introduced forage legumes that are drought tolerant have the potential to contribute to increased livestock productivity. Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet commonly called lablab has been identified as a promising forage legume in the zone. 46 accessions were screened for drought tolerance. Four accessions (ILRI 730, NAPRI 3, PI 195851 and PI 388013) were selected as best choices in drought tolerance throughout the dry season (November-April). Seven others (BARSD 1, GRIF 1246, ILRI 4612, ILRI 6930, ILRI 7403, NAPRI 2 and NAPRI 4) were identified as drought tolerant up to mid dry season (January-February). Identified accessions either flowered late and had large biomass yields or had delayed leaf senescence (DLS)