The effects of pH, salinity, age of leaves, post-harvest storage duration, and psyllid infestation on nutritional qualities of giant leucaena fodder

Abstract Giant leucaena ( Leucaena leucocephala subsp . glabrata ) can be managed as a profusely branched bushy plant by repeated harvest of its foliage for use fodder. The objective this research was to determine the effects soil pH and salinity, age leaves, post-harvest storage duration, psyllid infection on nutritional qualities To salinity fodder quality, giant K636 plants were grown in large pots containing soils adjusted different levels. duration quality studied using samples collected from Waimanalo Research Station. Among five levels tested, 6.0 found produce highest amounts protein structural fibers foliage. Mimosine contents at 6 7 lowest 5.0. growth retarded adversely affected under conditions. Compared young old leaves contained 18.5% less protein, 95% mimosine, 30% tannin 40% more fibers. Post-harvest up 72 h, room temperature did not seem affect fiber foliage; however, mimosine content reduced 25%. These results will help identify ideal pH, foliage, obtaining high forage yield leucaena.