The current status of Atriplex on the Cape Verde Islands

Extensive areas of low lying coastal plains on Santiago Island, Republic of Cape Verde, are virtually devoid of natural vegetation. Of many introduced trees and shrubs, only Atriplex species have been found to thrive. Several plantations have been established during the past 15 years by the Cape Verde Government, FAO and other agricultural development groups. Results from these, together with local perceptions, indicate that although growth and survival are good, the primary objective of providing forage is not being met, owing to the unpalatability of Atriplex to local stock. In recent field trials, several Atriplex species showed good growth, but none were browsed and survival was quite poor, with only A, undulata (65%) and A. canescens (100%) exceeding 60% survival. Forage analysis identified high salt content in all species tested, and the highest protein content was found in A. glauca (16%), A. vesicaria (17%) and A. canescens (20%), which also had the lowest salt levels. Atriptex canescens was identified as worthy of further introduction. An established A. halimus plantation that was observed to be browsed was compared to unbrowsed stands in terms of forage, soil and local drinking water analyses. Possible reasons for the unpalatability of Atriplex to local stock and its resolution are discussed, along with the potential future of Atriplex on the Cape Verde Islands. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited