Field selection of acid-soil tolerant leucaena from L. leucocephala × L. diversifolia crosses in a tropical Oxisol

Abstract

Leucaena diversifolia as a source of acid-soil tolerance for leached tropical soils was confirmed. In L. luecocephala × L. diversifolia crosses tolerance was transmitted to all generations. Selection of vigorous, deep-rooting, acid-soil tolerant trees in the populations was facilitated by their growth in a cerrado Oxisol with high A1 saturation. Adequate applications of single superphosphate, dolomite, gypsum and potassium chloride did not prevent this selection. The basis for acid soil tolerance is unknown, but the results indicate the involvement of efficient root uptake of Ca in competition with exchangeable A1.