Showy partridge pea [Chamaecrista fasciculata (Michx.) Greene] with potential for cultivation as a multi-functional species in the United States

Authors

J.B. Morris, USDA-ARSFollow

Date of this Version

2012

Citation

Genet Resour Crop Evol (2012) 59:1577–1581; DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9881-z

Abstract

Showy partridge pea, Chamaecrista fasciculata is used in the USA for cover cropping, ornate flowers in native gardens, honey crop, as an annual reseeding legume for restoration and conservation plantings, and wildlife food. However, its greatest potential may be as a bio-control plant for the control of mole crickets, cactus moth, and additional pest species. The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit (USDA, ARS, PGRCU) conserves 36 accessions originating from the USA.