Potential forage and biomass production of newly introduced varieties of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit.) in Thailand

Three newly introduced cultivar/lines of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit.) from Australia (cultivar Tarramba) and Hawaii (lines KU19 and KU66) were compared with current leading cultivars Peru and Cunningham. In 2006–2008, leaf and woody stem production and plant chemical compounds were analyzed for forage and bioenergy utilization. The experiment was conducted at the Kasetsart University Farm, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima in central Thailand. The results indicated that newly introduced cultivar/lines have a greater dry matter yielding ability than the cultivars Peru and Cunningham. KU19 generated the highest levels of biomass, KU66 was second highest yielder, followed by Tarramba, Cunningham and Peru. Each of the new cultivar/lines produced a superior woody stem yield for biofuel production than Cunningham and Peru. Regarding plant chemical compositions, the new cultivar/lines were similar to Peru and Cunningham, exhibiting an energy value at 4.6–4.7 kcal g−1. The cost benefits for farmers to grow Tarramba would result in an increased income and subsequent profit when compared with the current cultivar Peru following this 2-year study. We conclude that the new introduced cultivar/lines of Tarramba, KU19 and KU66 can be a more efficient and a productive energy supplying plant for gasification when compared with currently used cultivars Peru and Cunningham.