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== Introduction ==
The Crotalaria genus includes about 500 species of herbs and shrubs. Africa is the continent with a majority of the Crotalaria species (approximately 400 species). Crotalaria are mainly found in damp grassland, especially in floodplains, depressions and along edges of swamps and rivers, but also in deciduous bush land, roadsides and fields.[1]
Current and Potential Uses
editFood and Health
editCrotalaria is a genus containing unique foods because of their rich nutrient content including starch, protein dietary fiber, oligosaccharides, phyto-chemicals and minerals. Their nutritional contents contribute to many health benefits to human beings. To ensure the survival and optimal cultivation of these plants, they are often selected for resistance to diseases, yields and nutritional quality. [2]
Properties
editSensitivity to Water Supply
editTo analyze the differences in crop yield of Crotalaria in different regions, samples of Crotalaria brevidens and Crotalaria ochroleuca were taken from each setting and analyzed for crop yield under different water supply conditions. The results of the study show that Crotalaria plant height was extremely sensitive to water supply, and significantly led to a decrease in the shoot heights and leaf sizes in these two species, which ultimately meant lower crop yield. As a result, it can be said that Crotalaria is suggested to grow better in regions with more adequate water supplies (ex.- they are predicted to grow better in swamplands than in deciduous bush land).[3]
Notable Species
edit• Crotalaria longirostrata and Crotalaria pumila are tropical legumes domesticated since pre-Columbian times. They cover a wide range of uses such as: food and refreshing drink for humans, cover crop or green manure, improvement of fallows, paper elaboration, medicinal plant and honey production (melliferous species). Due to their high protein contents, Crotalaria longirostrata and Crotalaria pumila were further studied to observe potential improvements in the diets of those who consume it. In an experiment, this species of plant was collected in 5 communities of the state of Veracruz. In comparing the relative protein content of each plant, it was found that the cultivated plants with the largest leaves were the most protein-rich, while the plants with the smallest leaves had the least amount of protein. This has important agricultural implications because these plants can be selected specifically for larger leaves in order to yield maximal protein content.[4] Both of these plants are also considered to be valuable genetic resources, and studies suggest that they co-evolved within certain geographic regions. To affirm this, a cytological study between the two species was conducted, and it was found that their chromosomes are very similar in shape and size. The highly symmetrical nature of these two karyotypes suggests a close phylogenetic relationship between the two. [5]
• Crotalaria brevidens and Crotalaria ochroleuca are leafy vegetable species found to be cultivated in western Kenya. Several tribes known to reside in the country, including the Luhyas, Luos and Kisiis tribes, have been reported to have an extraordinarily high number of these species in comparison to other plant species in their communities. Over time, the Luhyas, Luos and Kisiis have selected both of these species of plants to have high yields. Alongside, this, Crotalaria brevidens and Crotalaria ochroleuca can be used as cover crops. Furthermore, they have also been selected by these Kenyan tribes to have high tolerance to disease and poor soil. Both of these serve as indications that the food production systems of each tribe evolved with the emphasis of vegetable cooking.[6]
Link to where contribution will be posted: Crotalaria
- ^ Sikuku, P.; Musyimi, D. (2013). "Responses of slenderleaf rattlebox (Crotalaria ochroleuca) to water deficit". Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences. 3 (12): 245–252.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Kathirvel, P.; Kumudha, P. (2012). "Comparative Analysis and Nutritional Assessment of Raw Seeds of Crotalaria Species". International Journal of Plant, Animal and Environmental Sciences. 2 (1): 87–98.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Sikuku, P.; Musyimi, D. (2013). "Responses of slenderleaf rattlebox (Crotalaria ochroleuca) to water deficit". Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences. 3 (12): 245–252.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Arias, L.; Losada, H.; Rendon, A.; Grande, D.; Vieyra, J. (2003). "Evaluation of Chipilin (Crotalaria longirostrata) as a forage resource for ruminant feeding in the tropical areas of Mexico". Livestock Research for Rural Development. 15 (4): 104–115.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Palomino, G.; Vazquez, R. (1991). "Cytogenetic Studies in Mexican Populations of Species of Crotalaria L.". Cytologia. 56: 343–351.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Abukutsa-Onyango, M (2007). "The Diversity of Cultivated African Leafy Vegetables in Three Communities in Western Kenya". African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development. 7 (3): 21–24.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help)