Micropropagation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus grandis</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">E. urophylla</Emphasis> AEC 224 clone

Genetic transformation systems require protocols that allow regenerating transgenic plants from transformed tissues. This study aimed to establish a protocol for indirect organogenesis in leaf explants of a Eucalyptus grandis  ×  E. urophylla AEC 224 clone. During callogenesis stage, several concentrations of NAA and then NAA or 2,4-D combined with TDZ were tested in JADS culture medium for 30 days, followed by subculture of the explants in the regeneration medium, containing 5.0 µM BA and 0.5 µM NAA for another 30 days. In these media, the explant oxidation rate was high (95 %). Thus, in order to reduce oxidation, different culture media were compared: WPM, MS, JADS and modified QL, followed by explant transfer onto regeneration medium. The highest percentage of regeneration and the lowest oxidation rate were achieved on WPM medium. Then, NAA and 2,4-D were tested in combination with TDZ and also TDZ and BA combined with NAA in WPM medium. The most efficient culture media in terms of shoot regeneration were WPM supplemented with 0.25 µM TDZ and 0.1 µM NAA during 30 days for callus induction and then with 5.0 µM BA and 0.5 µM NAA for another 30 days. This protocol yielded a regeneration rate of 43 %, with a low oxidation of tissues. A rooting experiment was conducted using half strength MS medium and comparing three concentrations of IBA (2.46, 4.90 and 7.35 µM). The highest rooting percentage (35 %) was obtained on medium containing 2.46 µM IBA. Once the shoots were rooted, acclimatization in a greenhouse was not challenging and plant survival reached 100 %.     

Factors influencing direct shoot regeneration from leaves,petioles, and plantlet roots of triploid hybrid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tacamahaca</Emphasis>

Since the generation of full-sib artificial triploid families, rapid clone establishment and genetic improvements have been needed. Here, we report an in vitro method of direct shoot regeneration of a triploid hybrid poplar [(Populus simonii × P. nigra ‘Italica’) × (P. × ‘popularis’)]. Using different randomized block designs, we selected one triploid to evaluate the explant type, optimal concentrations of plant growth regulators and agar, and culture time under light or dark conditions over 60 days. The highest rate of shoot induction, 80.0%, was obtained using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L benzyladenine, 0.04 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 5.5 g/L agar for the first 30 days in the dark, then 3 g/L agar for the next 30 days in light. This last medium yielded the best rate of shoot induction (6.32 shoots/explant). These three media were also used to evaluate the influence of the genotypes of the parents and hybrid triploids on regeneration. Two parents and three of the four full-sib triploids were regenerated successfully; different genotypes and explant types significantly affected the rate of shoot induction and average number of shoots. Leaves but not petioles were a suitable explant. One genotype produced the highest rate of shoot induction of 96.67%. Half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L indole butyric acid and 0.04 mg/L NAA was the most effective for rooting; rooting rate was 96.67%, survival rate of transplants was 73.33%, and rooting frequency surpassed 85% for each genotype. Overall, this in vitro regeneration system will be useful for the propagation and genetic modification of triploid poplars.     

In vitro regeneration of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus tomentosa</Emphasis> from petioles

A reliable in vitro regeneration procedure for Populus tomentosa is a prerequisite for its trait improvement through genetic transformation. We established a systematic protocol for indirect regeneration of P. tomentosa using in vitro petioles of Chinese poplar cultivar ‘fasta-3’. A high frequency of callus induction (>97 %) was obtained from isolated petioles cultured on the modified 1/2MS basal medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L ZT and 1.0 mg/L NAA, and the tested calli were subsequently plated on 1/2MS basal medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/L BA, 0.25 mg/L ZT, 0.25 mg/L NAA, 0.01 mg/L TDZ, and 0.5 mg/L KT for efficient regeneration of shoots after being cultured for 6 weeks. The regenerated shoots were vigorously rooted on the tested media supplemented with 1.0 mg/L IBA and 0.5 mg/L NAA. These results can facilitate genetic transformation of P. tomentosa for trait improvements in future.     

Genetic diversity in two threatened species in Vietnam: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Taxus chinensis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Taxus wallichiana</Emphasis>

Taxus chinensis and T. wallichiana in have been threatened in their distribution areas in recent decades because of their over-exploitation and reduction and destruction of native habitats. Determining the genetic diversity in populations of the two species will provide guidelines for their protection and preservation. Two hundred and fifteen trees from six populations of T. chinensis and 150 sampled trees of T. wallichiana were sampled. Six microsatellite primer pairs selected from 16 primer pairs were used to investigate genetic variation at the population and species levels. Five yielded polymorphic alleles, and among the 13 putative alleles amplified, 11 were polymorphic (accounting for 76.33 %).Shannon’s information index (I) and percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) (I = 0.202 and PPB = 67.22 % for T. chinensis; I = 0.217 and PPB = 65.03 % for T. wallichiana). Both species had low levels of genetic diversity (mean H _o = 0.107, H _e = 0.121 for T. chinensis; H _o = 0.095, H _e = 0.109 for T. wallichiana). Genetic differentiation among populations was higher (F _ST = 0.189) for T. chinensis and lower (0.156) for T. wallichiana, indicating limited gene flow (Nm) among populations for T. chinensis (0.68) and T. wallichiana (0.65). Variation among individuals of T. chinensis was 63.59 and 73.12 % for T. wallichiana. Thus, the threatened status of the two conifers is related to a lack of genetic diversity. All populations are isolated in small forest remnants. An ex situ conservation site should be established with a new population for these species that comprises all the genetic groups for the best chance to improve their fitness under environmental stresses.     

Clonal propagation of mastic tree (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pistacia lentiscus</Emphasis> var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">chia</Emphasis> Duham.) in outdoor beds using different rootstock and grafting techniques

We assessed different rootstocks and grafting techniques to clonally propagate mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. chia). Mastic tree is a dioecious tree but the quantity and quality of the resin secreted by female trees are very low; therefore, male trees that are clonally propagated are used to establish commercial plantations for mastic production. Conventional long branch cuttings for clonal production requires too much materials and has a very low rooting rate. Rooting with tissue culture and green cuttings has also failed outdoors. Grafting of mastic on other Pistacia species has not been tried so far; therefore, this study was aimed at developing grafting methods for the clonal propagation of mastic. P. atlantica and P. lentiscus rootstocks were grafted from 15 February to 15 October every 15 days using three grafting methods and a two-factor randomized block trial design. Early spring (15 February–15 March) proved to be the best time for grafting using either of the rootstocks. The highest grafting success was attained using the scions grafted on P. atlantica from 15 February to 15 March. The best bud-burst percentage was obtained using P. atlantica and P. lentiscus rootstocks.     

Improvement of the tissue culture technique for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melaleuca alternifolia</Emphasis>

Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel, and it is widely used in medicines, food preservatives, cosmetics and health care products. Traditional propagation of M. alternifolia from seeds does not necessarily transfer the desired characteristics from their mother trees, the seedlings are not uniform, and the multiplication rate from cuttings is relatively low. For these reasons, it is necessary to develop tissue culture techniques for this species. This study showed that an efficient explant initiation medium for M. alternifolia was MS 1/2 + BA 0.6 mg L^?1 + NAA 0.1 mg L^?1 + sucrose 30 g L^?1, which yielded a 75.9 % initiation rate. An efficient multiplication medium was MS + BA 0.3 mg L^?1 + NAA 0.15 mg L^?1 + sucrose 30 g L^?1, which yielded a 4.3 multiplication rate and 3.2 cm shoot length. The rooting medium was MS 1/2 + IBA 0.1–0.25 mg L^?1 + sucrose 15 g L^?1, which yielded a 100 % rooting rate, 2.94–3.32 roots per individual and 1.36–1.44 cm root length. Local red-core soil was suitable as a transplant medium, and yielded 98 % survival. This study improved the tissue culture technique for mass-propagation of M. alternifolia, enabling the production of high quality plants for market.     

Heartwood assessment of natural <Emphasis Type="Italic">Santalum album</Emphasis> populations for agroforestry development in Sri Lanka

Sandalwood (Santalum album) is developing as an important agroforestry crop in Sri Lanka. The value of S. album depends upon the oil content in the heartwood and its composition with reference to sesquiterpene alcohols cis-α-santalol and cis-β-santalol. According to the popular belief in Sri Lanka, certain S. album trees do not produce oil even after maturity. Therefore the present study was conducted to identify the presence and the variation of essential oil, its composition and the variation of growth parameters of nine distinctive S. album populations growing under different agroecological zones in Sri Lanka. According to the results, heartwood content, oil content and its constituents varied within and between the populations. It was interesting to observe that cis-α-santalol and cis-β-santalol were not detected in certain S. album trees though the oil contents of those trees were higher than the average. Heartwood content of the trees did not show a correlation with oil content, dbh and height. However, the oil content was significantly correlated with tree dbh and height. Majority of the trees (62 %) had heartwood essential oil in compliance to ISO standards; only a 31 % of the total sampled trees had the essential oil content above 2 % (w/w). Dry mountainous Badulla district had the highest percentage of trees complying the ISO standards. These findings are vital for identifying suitable sources for agroforestry propagation of S. album.     

Mating patterns of the gum arabic tree (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia senegal synonym Senegalia senegal</Emphasis>) in two different habitats

Understanding the variation of mating patterns in disturbed habitats provide insight into the evolutionary potential of plant species and how they persist over time. However, this phenomenon is poorly understood in tropical dryland tree species. In the present study, we investigated how Acacia senegal reproduces in two different environmental contexts in Kenya. Open-pollinated progeny arrays of 10 maternal trees from each environmental context were genotyped using 12 nuclear microsatellite markers. Overall, A. senegal displayed a predominantly allogamous mating pattern. However, higher multilocus outcrossing rate (tm) was found in Lake Bogoria (tm = 1.00) than in Kampi ya Moto population (tm = 0.949). Higher biparental inbreeding (t _m  ? t _s  = 0.116) and correlation of outcrossed paternity (rp = 0.329) was found in Kampi ya Moto than in Lake Bogoria population (t _m  ? t _s  = 0.074, rp = 0.055), showing the occurrence of mating among relatives. Coefficient of coancestry (Θ = 0.208) showed that full-sibs constitute about 21% of the offspring in Kampi ya Moto population compared to about 14% (Θ = 0.136) in Lake Bogoria population. The results demonstrate that low adult tree density of A. senegal may be promoting seed production through consanguineous mating and suggest that man-made disturbance can affect mating patterns of the species. Despite these mating differences, trees from both populations can contribute as seed source for conservational plans, and to support effective genetic conservation and artificial regeneration programs of A. senegal. We suggest collection of seeds from at least 42 and 63 trees in Lake Bogoria and Kampi ya Moto populations, respectively, to retain a progeny array with a total effective population size of 150.     

Nematotoxic activity of essential oils from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Monarda</Emphasis> species

Bioactivity of essential oils (EOs) from Monarda species has never been investigated on phytoparasitic nematodes. In this study, the EOs from two Italian ecotypes of Monarda didyma and M. fistulosa and their main compounds, carvacrol, γ-terpinene, o-cymene, and thymol, were evaluated for their in vitro activity on the infective stages of phytoparasitic nematodes Meloidogyne incognita and Pratylenchus vulnus, as well as on M. incognita egg hatch. Soil treatments with the two EOs were also investigated for their suppressiveness on M. incognita on tomato. Both EOs were strongly active on M. incognita juveniles, as a only 1.0 μL mL^?1 LC50 value was evaluated after a 24-h exposure to both EOs, whereas a lower activity was recorded on P. vulnus (15.7 and 12.5 μL mL^?1 LC50 values for M. didyma and M. fistulosa EOs, respectively). Among the EOs’ main compounds, carvacrol was highly active also at a short exposure in low concentrations, whereas γ-terpinene and thymol were much less active on both nematode species and o-cymene showed a discrete activity on P. vulnus only at the highest concentration. Hatch percent of M. incognita eggs treated with M. didyma and M. fistulosa EOs was always significantly lower than in water or in Tween 20 and Oxamyl solutions. In the experiment in soil, the multiplication of M. incognita and gall formation on tomato roots was significantly reduced by soil treatments with both EOs. The strong nematicidal activity of both Monarda EOs may suggest them as potential sources of new sustainable nematicidal products.     

Composition and mineralization of soil organic carbon pools in four single-tree species forest soils

Forest soil carbon(C) is an important component of the global C cycle. However, the mechanism by which tree species influence soil organic C(SOC) pool composition and mineralization is poorly understood. To understand the effect of tree species on soil C cycling, we assessed total, labile, and recalcitrant SOC pools, SOC chemical composition by ~(13) C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and SOC mineralization in four monoculture plantations. Labile and recalcitrant SOC pools in surface(0–10 cm) and deep(40–60 cm) soils in the four forests contained similar content. In contrast, these SOC pools exhibited differences in the subsurface soil(from 10 to20 cm and from 20 to 40 cm). The alkyl C and O-alkyl C intensities of SOC were higher in Schima superba and Michelia macclurei forests than in Cunninghamia lanceolata and Pinus massoniana forests. In surface soil, S.superba and M. macclurei forests exhibited higher SOC mineralization rates than did P. massoniana and C.lanceolata forests. The slope of the straight line between C_(60) and labile SOC was steeper than that between C_(60) and total SOC. Our results suggest that roots affected the composition of SOC pools. Labile SOC pools also affected SOC mineralization to a greater extent than total SOC pools.     

Tree leaves of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salix babylonica</Emphasis> extract as a natural anthelmintic for small-ruminant farms in a semiarid region in Mexico

The study aimed to test the potential anthelmintic activity of Salix babylonica (SB) extract for the control of gastrointestinal and pulmonary parasites in sheep and goats under field conditions. A representative sample of 20 % of all animals reared in 8 sheep and 7 goat farms was used in the study. Animals from each farm were randomly selected for a total number of 93 sheep and 75 goats. Animals suffered a natural gastrointestinal nematode infection and had never been treated with chemical anthelmintic drugs. The SB extract (20 mL) was orally administered weekly before the morning feeding to each animal for 60 days. Fecal eggs or oocysts were counted at 0, 1, 20, 40, and 60 days after starting the extract administration. Differences (P < 0.01) in the fecal oocyst and egg output of Eimeria, Dictyocaulus, and Moniezia were observed between sheep and goats. In addition, the treatment influenced (P < 0.05) egg outputs of Cooperia, Dictyocaulus, and Trichuris. Fecal egg or oocyst counts of Haemonchus contortus, Eimeria, Cooperia, Chabertia, Dictyocaulus, Moniezia, and Ostertagia were time-dependent (P < 0.05). For sheep, administration of SB decreased (P < 0.05) the fecal eggs count of H. contortus, Cooperia, Chabertia, Dictyocaulus, Moniezia, and Trichuris. After 20 days of treatment, H. contortus, Cooperia, or Moniezia were not detected. For goats, SB reduced (P < 0.05) the fecal egg counts of H. contortus, Cooperia, Chabertia, and Moniezia. Moreover, decreases were observed (P < 0.05) for Chabertia, Trichostrongylus, and Ostertagia. Eggs of H. contortus and Moniezia were not present in the feces after 1 day of administration of the extract. It could be concluded that the weekly administration of SB extract at 20 mL per animal can be used to treat gastrointestinal and lung nematodes of small ruminants in organic and traditional farming systems of tropical regions.     

Efficiency of sample-based indices for spatial pattern recognition of wild pistachio (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pistacia atlantica</Emphasis>) trees in semi-arid woodlands

The efficiency of sample-based indices proposed to quantify the spatial distribution of trees is influenced by the structure of tree stands, environmental heterogeneity and degree of aggregation. We evaluated 10 commonly used distance-based and 10 density-based indices using two structurally different stands of wild pistachio trees in the Zagros woodlands, Iran, to assess the reliability of each in revealing stand structure in woodlands. All trees were completely stem-mapped in a nearly pure (40 ha) and a mixed (45 ha) stand. First, the inhomogeneous pair correlation function [g(r)] and the Clark–Evans index (CEI) were used as references to reveal the true spatial arrangement of all trees in these stands. The sampled data were then evaluated using the 20 indices. Sampling was undertaken in a grid based on a square lattice using square plots (30 m × 30 m) and nearest neighbor distances at the sample points. The g(r) and CEI statistics showed that the wild pistachio trees were aggregated in both stands, although the degree of aggregation was markedly higher in the pure stand. Three distance- and six density-based indices statistically verified that the wild pistachio trees were aggregated in both stands. The distance-based Hines and Hines statistic (h _t ) and the density-based standardised Morisita (I _p ), patchiness (IP) and Cassie (C _A ) indices revealed aggregation of the trees in the two structurally different stands in the Zagros woodlands and the higher clumping in the pure stand, whereas the other indices were not sensitive enough.     

Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Verticillium nonalfalfae</Emphasis> on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ailanthus altissima</Emphasis> and associated indigenous and invasive tree species in eastern Austria

The naturally occurring Verticillium nonalfalfae shows promise for biocontrol of the highly invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but might also bear a risk for non-target tree species. In this study, we conducted inoculations on potted seedlings of A. altissima as well as on eight indigenous and two invasive tree species associated with Tree of Heaven in Austria. Although vascular discolourations developed in all inoculated tree species, V. nonalfalfae was reisolated from Ailanthus and eight of the ten non-target-species, whereas typical disease symptoms and mortality only occurred on A. altissima. Results confirmed high susceptibility (S) of A. altissima to V. nonalfalfae but indicated tolerance (T) of Acer campestre, Acer pseudoplatanus and Quercus robur, possible resistance (PR) of Fraxinus excelsior, Populus nigra, Tilia cordata, Ulmus laevis and Ulmus minor and resistance (R) of Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Robinia pseudoacacia to this potential biocontrol agent. Results from seedling inoculations were confirmed by cursory field observations in Ailanthus-inoculated forest stands, where admixed A. campestre, A. pseudoplatanus, F. excelsior, Populus alba, R. pseudoacacia and U. laevis canopy trees remained asymptomatic, while mortality was induced in Ailanthus.     

Non-aerated liquid culture promotes shoot organogenesis in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus globulus</Emphasis> Labill

Eucalyptus is very recalcitrant to in vitro culture. In this research, an efficient shoot organogenesis system was developed using 60-day-old plants of Eucalyptus globulus grown in vitro and non-aerated liquid medium to improve shoot proliferation. Cultures were initiated with hypocotyls and leaf segments from plantlets cultivated on semisolid ½ MS modified medium supplemented with 4.44 µM 6-Benzyladenine (BA) and 16.1 µM 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Calli were transferred to shoot induction medium, with either 0.5 or 2.7 µM NAA. Shoot multiplication was carried out on 4.44 µM BA + 0.5 µM NAA medium, and semisolid and non-aerated liquid systems were compared for improving shoot proliferation. Rooting of adventitious shoots was evaluated on medium containing NAA or Indole-3-butyric acid -IBA (5 and 16 µM). Callogenesis was obtained from both types of explants, although shoot formation was only obtained from leaf-derived calli. Shoot proliferation on 4.44 µM BA + 0.5 µM NAA resulted in the most shoots/callus. Non-aerated liquid medium was more efficient in promoting shoot multiplication (53.5 shoots/callus) than was semisolid medium (28.5 shoots/callus). Levels of phenolic compounds were significantly reduced in the shoots cultivated in liquid medium. Efficient rooting (76%) was obtained using 16 µM IBA.     

Identification of pests and assessment of their damage on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carapa procera</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lophira lanceolata</Emphasis> in Burkina Faso,West Africa

Nontimber forest products are a source of income for women in rural African communities. However, these products are frequently damaged by insect pests. The present study investigates the diversity and damage rates of insect pests that attack Carapa procera seeds and Lophira lanceolata fruits. The experiment was set up in western Burkina Faso and, for C. carapa, consisted of pests collected from seeds that had fallen to the ground and from stockpiled seeds. For L. lanceolata, pests were collected from fruits on the trees, and on the ground. The collected samples were sent to the laboratory to estimate the proportion of damaged seeds/fruits and rear the insects. The results showed that Ephestia spp., Tribolium castaneum, Oryzeaphilus spp., and Tenebroides mauritanicus were the pests of Carapa procera seeds and Lophira lanceolata fruits. Ephestia spp. was recorded as the main pest of both C. procera and L. lanceolata, whereas T. castaneum was only detected from seeds of L. lanceolata. For C. procera, the stocks were the most infested (29 %) by Ephestia spp. The infestation rate of fruits of L. lanceolata by Ephestia spp. on trees (31.42 ± 3.75 %) was less than the rate of fruits by T. castaneum on the ground (44.00 ± 3.5 %). The different body sizes of Ephestia spp. may indicate the occurrence of two putative species, one from C. procera and another one from L. lanceolata. This work provides important information that could contribute to the setting up of a local-scale sustainable management framework for oil tree pests in Burkina Faso and surrounding countries.     

The populations and distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pieris japonica</Emphasis>, a poisonous tree protected from herbivore browsing pressure,increase slowly but steadily

Pieris japonica is a poisonous tree species that is rarely eaten by herbivorous animals, a fact that could enable the expansion of its distribution range and influence ecosystems into which it encroaches. In a regional-scale study, 300 P. japonica trees from 13 populations were sampled at the University of Tokyo Chichibu Forest, Japan, and were analyzed using 11 microsatellite markers. Genetic differentiation among the populations was low (F _ST = 0.022 and G′ _ST = 0.024). A plot (30 × 30 m) was established for a fine-scale study, in which all P. japonica trees and saplings were measured and genetically analyzed using the microsatellite markers. Using this approach, we detected 84 genotypes among the 121 P. japonica trees in the plot. A few genotypes had expanded by more than 5 m, indicating that the ability to reproduce asexually could facilitate P. japonica trees to remain in a given location. Autocorrelation analysis showed that the extent of nonrandom spatial genetic structure was approximately 7.0 m, suggesting that seed dispersal was limited. KINGROUP analyses showed that 44 genotype pairs were full siblings, 23 were half-siblings, and 40 were parent-offspring. Only 32 seedlings were observed, of which 15 had reproduced asexually. The number of P. japonica trees has been increasing gradually for more than half a century in our study areas.     

Individual-based fine root biomass and its functional relationship with leaf for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus tabuliformis</Emphasis> in northern China

Root biomass plays an essential role in carbon sequestration at both individual and ecosystem scales, yet few feasible methods for measuring root biomass of individual trees have been developed. We sampled 11 trees in a pure 20-year-old Pinus tabuliformis plantation to estimate total root, fine root and leaf biomass of individual trees using the nested regression method. The relationships between fine root biomass and surface area as well as leaf biomass and area were examined across tree sizes. Fine roots of P. tabuliformis were estimated to consume 40 % of the net primary production for turnover, and absorbed a total of 1364 g m^?2 year^?1 of major nutrients. A significant linear relationship was determined between roots and leaves in terms of both biomass and surface area. The findings added weight to the concept that the functional balance theory is applicable to even-aged mature trees of P. tabuliformis.     

In vivo digestibility and nitrogen balance in sheep diets with foliage of fodder trees in substitution for soybean meal

Apparent digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance were evaluated in sheep fed low-quality Cynodon nlemfuensis grass supplemented with different foliages of forage-potential trees. Four male hair sheep were housed in metabolic cages and fed in a Latin Square design with 30 % inclusion of foliage of Erythrina indica (Ei), Moringa oleifera (Mo), or Trichanthera gigantea (Tg) replacing soybean meal. Adaptation and faeces and urine collection periods were 14 and 7 days, respectively. Sheep received 70 g DM/kg/BW^0.75 of the diet in order to achieve total consumption of feed. Dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber digestibilities were similar (P > 0.05) among the control, Mo, and Ei diets, while the Tg diet resulted in the lowest (P < 0.05) value. The Ei diet showed the highest (P < 0.05) total N intake among the three diets with 30 % of leaf meal, which was similar (P > 0.05) to the control diet. N excreted in faeces was highest (P < 0.05) in the Tg diet when compared to the other leaf meal diets, in which the Mo diet presented the lowest (P < 0.05) value, but was similar (P > 0.05) to that found in the control diet. The Mo and Ei diets had similar (P > 0.05) values for the percent of N absorbed by the animals, which was much higher (P < 0.05) than that of the Tg diet. The forage of M. oleifera and Ei can be used in diets at 30 % incorporation to substitute the use of soybean meal in small ruminant production.