Variability in pod and seed traits of Pongamia pinnata Pierre ecotypes in North Karnataka,India

An evaluation of 30 naturally available candidate-plus trees(CPTs) of Pongamia pinnata was carried out to elucidate the genetic variability and relationship of pod and seed traits and progeny growth traits to select the best planting material with higher productivity. Significant variations were observed in pod and seed characteristics,oil content, and during the progeny trial studies. The highest values were found in 100-pod weight(410.4 gm)and 100-seed weight(195.92 gm) and the phenotypic and genotypic variance was found maximum in 100 pod weight(4364.71 and 4289.93) and 100 seed weight(813.8 and768.93), respectively. Estimates of the phenotypic coefficient of variance were higher than the genotypic coefficient of variance for all the pod and seed traits and progeny growth traits, which depict the predominant role of the environment. Approximately 99 % of broad-sense heritability was revealed in oil content, followed by 100-pod weight(98.28 %), and canopy growth(96.93 %). Pod thickness shows the highest genetic advance of 56.61 %,followed by pod width(53.43 %) and canopy growth(49.3 %). Pod and seed traits have proven a positive correlation between each other and with progeny growth traits,except a few negative values. Hierarchical clustering by Ward's minimum variance cluster analysis showed phylogeographical patterns of genetic diversity. K-means clustering revealed that trees from different geographical regions were grouped together in a cluster where as trees from the same geographical area are placed in a different cluster. Seven Pongamia ecotypes(GRP-8, 9, 13, 14, 18,28, and 29) are found superior in traits, namely 100-pod weight, 100-seed weight, oil content, germination rate,plant height, canopy growth, and collar diameter. The traits100-pod weight and 100-seed weight are highly correlated with the progeny growth traits and even have higher heritability and genetic advantages.     

Variability and divergence in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pongamia pinnata</Emphasis> for further use in tree improvement

A total of 24 candidate plus trees (CPTs) of Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. were selected to elucidate their variation and diversity based on thirteen quantitative traits (4 pod traits, 6 seed traits of parent trees and 3 progeny traits) at Forest Research Centre, Institute of Forest Productivity — Mandar, Ranchi district during 2005–2007. The results show that, CPT-19 had maximum for seven traits viz, pod length (65.6 mm), 100-pod weight (542.4 g), seed 2D (two dimension) area (351.2 mm²), seed length (27.9 mm), seed breadth (17.4 mm), 100-seed weight (217.9 g) and plant height (164.3 cm). The traits, 100-pod weight and 100-seed weight had a high heritability (98.4%, 96.9%) accompanied with high genetic advance (46.0%, 34.9%). There is a positive significant correlation between 100-pod weight and 100-seed weight traits at both genotypic and phenotypic levels with plant height, collar diameter and volume index at 30 MAS (months after sowing). Volume index expressed a moderate heritability (47.4%) accompanied with high genetic advance (48.4%), indicating that the character is governed by additive gene effects. In divergence study, 24 accessions were grouped into 6 clusters on the basis of non-hierarchical euclidian cluster analysis. The genotypes in cluster IV (CPT-5, CPT-6, CPT-7, CPT-12, CPT-16, CPT-18, CPT-22) and cluster III (CPT-4, CPT-8, CPT-9, CPT-20, CPT-21) were most heterogeneous and can be best used within group hybridization. The wide diversity exists between the cluster V and II, followed by cluster II and I and crosses between CPTs of these clusters may result in substantial segregates. It is revealed that the existence of substantial variation and diversity can be utilized for genetic resource conservation and further tree improvement programmers of the species.     

Effectiveness of Neem (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Azadirachta indica</Emphasis>) insecticides against Brassica pod midge (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dasineura brassicae</Emphasis> Winn<Emphasis Type="Italic">.</Emphasis>)

The efficiency of the botanical insecticide (BI) NeemAzal T/S (containing 1% Azadirachtin A), on the basis of azadirachtin applied in a dose of 20 g a.i. ha⁻¹ against Brassica pod midge (Dasineura brassicae), has been monitored for 4 years. The biological efficiency of BI was compared with the efficiency of some synthetic insecticides. It was ascertained that BI was very efficient in decreasing the number of damaged oilseed rape pods (ranging from 56.5 to 85.9% compared to untreated plants) and its efficiency was comparable with synthetic insecticides based on Chloronicotinyl (Thiacloprid) and Neonicotinoid (Acetamiprid). BI’s efficiency was, in some years, even significantly higher compared to pyrethroid (λ-cyhalothrin). The high biological efficiency of azadirachtin that we ascertained was significantly reflected in increasing potential crop yields. The yield increase of azadirachtin ranged between 9.3 and 19.4% compared to the control sample. Azadirachtin showed the highest yield for the whole time of experimentation, and in some years the yield increase was significantly higher compared to some synthetic agents.     

Difference between sprouting traits of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cercidiphyllum japonicum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">C. magnificum</Emphasis>

Cercidiphyllum japonicum and C. magnificum are deciduous tree species that produce large numbers of sprouts. They are found mainly in riparian and/or disturbed areas. C. japonicum is distributed in the montane zone in Japan, whereas C. magnificum is distributed mostly in the subalpine zone of central Japan. However, the two species sometimes coexist, e.g., on the talus slope at the valley head of the Chichibu Mountains. We investigated differences in sprouting traits in these two species by comparing class distributions of sprout diameter at breast height (DBH) and heights of individuals on the talus slope. Sprout DBH and individual height were smaller in C. magnificum as compared to C. japonicum. Moreover, the analysis of the DBH-class distribution of each species indicated that C. magnificum had numerous small sprouts and experienced high mortality, whereas C. japonicum had fewer small sprouts and low mortality. It is likely that the sprouting traits of C. magnificum make it more adapted to severe conditions in the subalpine zone than those of C. japonicum.     

Successful <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium</Emphasis>-mediated transformation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus tomentosa</Emphasis> with apple <Emphasis Type="Italic">SPDS</Emphasis> gene

The problem of salinized soils has become one of the most serious constraints to agricultural and forest productivity. With the purpose of enhancing salt stress tolerance of Populus tomentosa, we transformed this tree species with spermidine synthase （SPDS） genes derived from an apple by an Agrobacterium-mediated method. Four transgenic clones were confu＇med by PCR and Southern blot analysis. As well, the expression of introduced SPDS genes was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR.     

Insecticidal properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thymus persicus</Emphasis> essential oil against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tribolium castaneum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sitophilus oryzae</Emphasis>

Red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae (L.) are considered to be the major insect pests in storage. Essential oils from aromatic plants are recognized as proper alternatives to fumigants. Thymus persicus (Ronniger ex Rech. f.) is one of these plants that have medicinal properties and is indigenous to Iran. The essential oil was obtained from aerial parts of the plant and analyzed by GC and GC–MS. Carvacrol (44.69%) and thymol (11.05%) were the major constituents of the oil extracted. In this experiment, fumigant toxicity of the essential oil was studied against T. castaneum, S. oryzae at 27 ± 1°C and 60 ± 5% RH in dark condition. The adult insects were exposed to the concentrations of 51.9, 111.1, 207.4 and 370.4 μl/l air to estimate median lethal time (LT₅₀) values. The fumigant toxicity was increased in response to increased essential oil concentrations. The LT₅₀ values at the lowest and the highest concentrations tested were ranged from 28.09 to 13.47 h for T. castaneum, and 3.86 to 2.30 h for S. oryzae. It was found that S. oryzae adults were much more susceptible to the oil than T. castaneum. After 24 h of exposure, the LC₅₀ values (95% fiducial limit) for T. castaneum and S. oryzae were estimated to be 236.9 (186.27–292.81) and 3.34 (2.62–4.28) μl/l air, respectively. These results suggest that T. persicus essential oil merits further study as potential fumigant for the management of these stored-product insects.     

Effects of different treatments on seed germination and breaking seed dormancy of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prosopis koelziana</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prosopis Juliflora</Emphasis>

For improving seed germination of Prosopis koelziana and Prosopis juliflora, different treatments of seeds were conducted, including scarification with sulfuric acid 98% for 10 and 15 min, sandy paper, hot water for 5 and 10 min, potasium nitrate 0.1%, gibberellic acid at 250 mg·L⁻¹ and 500 mg·L⁻¹ and combinational treatment of scarification with gibberellic acid of 250 mg·L⁻¹ and 500 mg·L⁻¹. The results show that scarifications with sandy paper and sulfuric acids 98% were the most effective treatments on breaking seed dormancy and seed germination induction. Scarification with sulfuric acid 98% for 15 min was the best treatment. According to the positive effect of scarification and lack of reaction of seeds against KNO₃ and gibberellic acid, the kind of seed dormancy was determined as exogenous.     

Enzymatic saccharification and ethanol production of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia mangium</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paraserianthes falcataria</Emphasis> wood,and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Elaeis guineensis</Emphasis> trunk

We examined the saccharification and fermentation of meals from Acacia mangium wood, Paraserianthes falcataria wood, and Elaeis guineensis trunk. The levels of enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose and ethanol production were highest for P. falcataria wood and lowest for A. mangium wood. Ultrasonication pretreatment of meal further increased the rates of hydrolysis and ethanol production in meal from P. falcataria wood. Through this pretreatment, hemicelluloses (xylan and xyloglucan) and cellulose were released in the meal from P. falcataria wood. Loosening of hemicellulose associations can be expected to make P. falcataria wood more useful for bioethanol production.     

Challenges of pheromone-based mating disruption of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cydia strobilella</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dioryctria abietella</Emphasis> in spruce seed orchards

Seed orchards function as the primary source of high-quality seeds for reforestation in many European countries, but their seed yields can be severely reduced due to seed- and cone-feeding insects. We evaluated various parameters of pheromone-based mating disruption for control of the moths Cydia strobilella and Dioryctria abietella, which are major pests in European Picea abies seed orchards. We applied different types of pheromone dispensers (rubber septa or wax droplets) at different densities and heights, and with different amounts of active components, covering whole orchards or part of an orchard. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by analysing male captures in pheromone-baited assessment traps, and presence of larvae in cones. A dramatic decrease (94–100%) in capture of males in traps occurred in all pheromone-treated plots compared to control plots for both moth species. In contrast, a subsequent reduction in larval numbers in cones was only achieved when wax droplets were used as the dispensing formulation at high density and at the highest pheromone dose tested, and only in half of the trials for each pest species. Electrophysiological recordings using antennae of male C. strobilella indicated elevated pheromone concentrations in a treated plot versus a control plot. Our results show that mating disruption has potential to reduce cone damage in spruce seed orchards caused by C. strobilella and D. abietella, but optimisation of the technique is required to achieve consistent and efficient population suppression of these pests.     

Bioremediation of CCA-treated wood by brown-rot fungi <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fomitopsis palustris</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coniophora puteana</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Laetiporus sulphureus</Emphasis>

This study evaluated oxalic acid accumulation and bioremediation of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood by three brown-rot fungi Fomitopsis palustris, Coniophora puteana, and Laetiporus sulphureus. The fungi were first cultivated in a fermentation broth to accumulate oxalic acid. Bioremediation of CCA-treated wood was then carried out by leaching of heavy metals with oxalic acid over a 10-day fermentation period. Higher amounts of oxalic acid were produced by F. palustris and L. sulphureus compared with C. puteana. After 10-day fermentation, oxalic acid accumulation reached 4.2 g/l and 3.2 g/l for these fungi, respectively. Fomitopsis palustris and L. sulphureus exposed to CCA-treated sawdust for 10 days showed a decrease in arsenic of 100% and 85%, respectively; however, C. puteana remediation removed only 18% arsenic from CCA-treated sawdust. Likewise, chromium removal in F. palustris and L. sulphureus remediation processes was higher than those for C. puteana. This was attributed to low oxalic acid accumulation. These results suggest that F. palustris and L. sulphureus remediation processes can remove inorganic metal compounds via oxalic acid production by increasing the acidity of the substrate and increasing the solubility of the metals.An erratum to this article can be found at     

Variability in seed- and seedling-related traits of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Millettia ferruginea</Emphasis>, a potential agroforestry species

Millettia ferruginea (Hochst.) Baker is a potential agroforestry species endemic to Ethiopia. No documented information exists about genetic variation in this species, thus baseline information is needed to initiate improvement program. Here, we quantified variations in seed size, germination and seedling growth at nursery stage based on seeds collected from six sites across the natural range of distribution of the species in Ethiopia. All seed- and seedling-related traits exhibited highly significant differences among seed sources (P < 0.01), and the magnitude of genetic variation was substantially higher (77–99%) than the environmental variation. The genetic advance as percent of the mean was higher for germination capacity (69.4%) and seed weight (31.7%) than for other traits, suggesting that the population means for these traits may be changed considerably by selecting the superior 5% of the genotypes. There were strong phenotypic (r_p = 0.81) and genotypic (r_g = 0.89) correlations between seed width and seed weight, so also between seedling height and root collar diameter (r_p = 0.95 and r_g = 1.00). In conclusion, the results reveal the existence of substantial genetic variation, which can be utilized to initiate tree improvement program of the species and for gene conservation in seed banks. In memory of the late Abraham Loha, who passed away during the writing process.     

Effect of seed coverings and seed pretreatments on the germination response of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alnus glutinosa</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Betula pubescens</Emphasis> seeds

The germination of common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) and downey birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) seeds is often poor in bare-root nurseries. The effect of a variety of seed coverings and a few seed pretreatments on seedling emergence was examined in this study in an attempt to address this problem. Seeds of each species were sown in trays containing nursery soil, covered with grit, gravel, sand, combinations of these coverings, a hydromulch or a sealed plastic cloche and then incubated for 6 weeks at 17–20°C. The grit combined with sand or gravel, the hydromulch and the cloche increased seedling emergence when compared with the standard grit. In another experiment, seeds of each species were fully imbibed (FI) (>50% moisture content, MC), as per standard practice, or adjusted to target MC (TMC) (30–35% MC) levels, and then chilled to release dormancy. Some seeds of each MC treatment were primed at 20°C for 2 days following chilling, after which all seeds were evaluated in laboratory tests and a nursery trial. Germination potential of the FI seeds declined in the lab tests by the second test date, which was reflected in low seedling emergence in the nursery in birch. The primed FI seeds of alder germinated most rapidly in the nursery, but other effects were not significant. Seedling emergence was better in the nursery in response to the TMC than the FI pretreatment in birch.

Aboveground biomass equations for individual trees of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptomeria japonica</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chamaecyparis obtusa</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Larix kaempferi</Emphasis> in Japan

Generic equations are proposed for stem, branch and foliage biomass of individual trees in even-aged pure stands of Cryptomeria japonica, Chamaecyparis obtusa and Larix kaempferi. Biomass data was collected from a total of 1,016 individual trees from 247 stands throughout Japan, and five regression models were assessed by root mean square error, mean bias, fit index (FI), and AIC. The results show that a power equation using diameter at breast height (dbh) and height is the most suitable for all species and components. This equation is more accurate than the familiar power equation that uses ‘dbh² height’, and it expresses the greater volume of branch and foliage mass of trees with a lower height/diameter ratio. A power equation using dbh is more reasonable for models with dbh as the only independent variable and more accurate than a power equation using ‘dbh² height’ for estimating branch and foliage mass. Estimating error for branch and foliage mass is larger than that for stem mass, but the entire aboveground biomass can be estimated with an error of less than 19%, except in the case of small trees with dbh less than 10 cm.     

冷湿层积法对印度冷杉(Abies pindrow)和长叶云杉(Picea smithiana）种子萌发的影响

研究赤霉素(GA3),冷湿和温度 对五个种源的印度冷杉(Abies pindrow)和长叶云杉(Picea smithiana)种子萌发的影响.种子被浸泡在GA3 (10 mg(L-1)中24小时,然后在3(5(C温度的条件下冷藏15天.设计4个温度(10(C, 15(C, 20(C 和 25(C)条件来促进种子的萌发.结果表明,浸泡和冷湿处理明显增加种子的萌发率.在10 (C时种子的萌发率最高.总体结果表明,种子被浸泡在GA3 (10 mg(L-1)中24小时,冷湿藏15天,可以有效地促进印度冷杉和长叶云杉的种子萌发.统计数据表明,浸泡处理、温度和种源以及与温度的相互作用都对种子的萌发有明显的影响.     

Electrophoretic pattern of proteins isolated from immatured and matured stages of 10 candidate plus trees of versatile oleaginous legume, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pongamia pinnata</Emphasis> (L.) Pierre

Pongamia pinnata an oil yielding leguminous tree is an economically important plant due to its multifunctional characteristics. The objective of the present study was to investigate the electrophoretic spectra sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of total soluble seed proteins under reduced conditions (5 mM β-mercaptoethanol) in immatured [135 days after flowering (DAF)] and matured stages (350 DAF) for 10 tagged candidate plus trees (CPTs) of P. pinnata from North Guwahati. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed presence of ~15–20 unique polypeptide fragments of molecular size ranging from 14 to 150 kDa in both stages of seed development but no variations was observed at a particular stage among 10 CPTs. However, polypeptide banding pattern of immatured and fully ripened matured seeds showed differences in expression pattern of three main polypeptide bands (MW 50, 18 and 14 kDa) for all the 10 CPTs studied. Globulins may be considered to be the main seed storage proteins in Pongamia that includes legumins and vicilins.     

Variability in the pod and seed parameters and nuclear DNA content of Tunisian populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ceratonia siliqua</Emphasis> L.

The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is widely used in arid and semi-arid areas of Mediterranean countries for industrial, agricultural and ornamental purposes. We wished to determine the variability of its morphological parameters in relation to its exploitation for commercial purposes. Thirteen cultivated and 15 spontaneous populations of C. siliqua from various edapho-climatic zones of Tunisia were compared to determine the variation in pod and seed parameters, for trees growing in situ, and in 2C nuclear DNA content (determined by flow cytometry), for seedlings grown from seeds collected in situ. Analysis of variance showed significant differences (P < 0.0001) between sites for fresh weight, length, width, internal and external thickness of pods, the pod length/width ratio, percentage of viable seeds and seed fresh weight. The mean pod fresh weights (range 8.63–36.03 g) of cultivated C. siliqua were significantly greater than those of spontaneous trees (7.70–19.39). Similarly, for other morphological characters (pod length, width and thickness and seed weight), the cultivated trees showed the highest mean values: 19.46 cm, 2.22 cm, 0.91 cm and 0.20 g, respectively. How this variability could be exploited for agronomic and commercial purposes is discussed. The variation of the examined morphological characters was not correlated with the quantity of DNA, since there were no significant differences in nuclear DNA content among the cultivated or spontaneous individuals. The mean 2C nuclear DNA content was 1.20–1.30 pg, indicating the trees to be diploid (2n = 24).     

A novel cold-inducible promoter,P<Emphasis Type="Italic">ThCAP</Emphasis> from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tamarix hispida</Emphasis>, confers cold tolerance in transgenic <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arabidopsis thaliana</Emphasis>

Our previous studies have revealed that the ThCAP gene plays a vital role in transgenic Populus (P. davidiana × P. bolleana) in response to cold stress. However, the regulatory mechanism of ThCAP gene expression has been unclear. In this study, the 5′ flanking region of the ThCAP promoter (PThCAP) was cloned using a genome-walking method. By analyzing cis-acting regulatory elements of PThCAP, a DRE motif and MYC and MYB elements were found to be located in the promoter. To identify the regulatory elements that control the expression of the ThCAP gene promoter, a series of deletion derivatives of PThCAP, P1–P5, from the translation start code (?1538, ?1190, ?900, ?718 and ?375 bp), were fused to the GUS reporter gene, and then each deletion was stably introduced into Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Deletion analysis of the promoter suggested that only the P2 fragment had strong GUS expression in leaves and roots of A. thaliana exposed to low temperature stress. These results suggest that this 290-bp region (?1190 to ?900 bp), as an important part in PThCAP, was associated with cold tolerance of A. thaliana. Our results provide evidence for the regulatory mechanism of ThCAP gene involved in the response to cold stress, and that the gene is promising candidate gene for genetic improvement of crops.     

Structure and Function of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus deltoides</Emphasis> Agroforestry Systems in Eastern India: 1. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dry matter dynamics</Emphasis>

Agroforestry systems based on poplar (Populus deltoides) are becoming popular in eastern and northern parts of India. Therefore studies on the structure and function of the systems are important. The investigations included allometric equations for above- and belowground tree components, crop and plantation floor biomass and litter fall estimation at Pusa, Bihar, India. Biomass, floor litter mass, litter fall and net primary productivity (NPP) of plantations increased with an increase in age of trees whereas, crop biomass for any specific crop interplanted with poplar decreased with the age of the plantation. The total plantation biomass increased from 12.08 to 90.59 Mg ha⁻¹ and NPP varied from 5.69 to 27.9 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. The biomass accumulation ratio ranged from 2.1 to 3.2. Total annual litter fall was in between 1.95 and 10.00 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, of which 92–94% was contributed by leaf litter. Compartmental models were developed for dry matter distribution in agroforestry systems involving young (3-year-old) and mature (9-year-old) poplar trees interplanted with various crops, the crops being grown in two rotations maize (Zea mays) – wheat (Triticum aestivum) – turmeric (Curcuma domestica) and pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) – turmeric. This study substantiates the potential of Populus deltoides G₃ under agroforestry combinations.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bursaphelenchus mucronatus</Emphasis> (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) vectored by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Monochamus </Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">urussovi</Emphasis> (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Hokkaido,Japan

Bursaphelenchus mucronatus Mamiya et Enda has been recovered for the first time from adults of the cerambycid beetle, Monochamus urussovi (Fischer), in Hokkaido, Japan. The nematode was also recovered from the inner bark of Picea jezoensis (Siebold et Zuccarini) Carrière and Abies sachalinensis (Fr Schmidt) Masters infested with M. urussovi larvae. PCR–RFLP analysis indicated that B. mucronatus in Hokkaido is the European type.     

Management Effects on Biomass and Foliar Nutritive Value of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Robinia pseudoacacia</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gleditsia triacanthos</Emphasis> f. <Emphasis Type="Italic">inermis</Emphasis> in Arkansas,USA

The browse potential of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and thornless honey locust [Gleditsia triacanthos f. inermis (L.) Zabel] has not been adequately tested. Our objective was to determine effects of fertilization and pollarding on biomass and foliar nutritive value in separate studies of black locust and thornless honey locust in Arkansas, USA. Shoots were sampled monthly for two consecutive growing seasons in 2002 and 2003 to determine foliar, shoot, and total aboveground biomass, shoot basal diameter, and foliar nutritive value (crude protein and in vitro digestibility). Black locust yielded more foliar biomass when pollarded at 50 or 100 cm and fertilized with 600 kg P ha⁻¹, than at 5 cm with or without P, averaging 3.5 Mg dry matter ha⁻¹. Black locust foliar crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility ( ≤ 170 and 534 g kg⁻¹, respectively) decreased as leaves aged, but still met maintenance needs for beef cattle (Bos taurus L.). Thornless honey locust had little agronomic potential because of slow establishment, low foliar yield (330 kg ha⁻¹), and a 2% reversion to undesirable thorny phenotype. Black locust should be considered for livestock browse when drought induces semi-dormancy of herbaceous forages.