Seed Production Technology of Legumes in Dry Climate Drylands

Abstract This research aims to determine the growth potential of herbaceous legumes in drylands with a dry climate. Four types of legumes ( Clitoria ternatea cv. Millgarra, Pueraria javanica, Centrosema pascuorum cv. Bundey, and Vigna luteola ) were used in this study. The plot size was 5 m x 5 m, with planting spacing widened to 0.75 x 0.75 m, a distance between plots of 1.0 m, and 2-4 seeds per hole, leaving one plant after germination. The treatments were with trellis versus without trellis. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replications. Observations were made in each plot, including growth, the first flowering time, 50% flowering, the first immature pod formation, mature pod formation, seed production, and herbage quality before and after flowering. Growth measurements were taken weekly, and seed production was recorded whenever pods ripened and dried, throughout the year. The use of trellis did not affect the time to first flowering, 50% flowering, or the first appearance of pods but increased seed on Clitoria ternatea production from 30.80% to 34.73%. In conclusion, using trellises can increase legume seed production.