Tree Lucerne Seeds in Kenya

#1

Hi ECHO Community,

I am looking for tree lucerne seedlings in Kenya.
Anyone has an idea where I can get them here in Kenya?

Regards,
Fred

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#2

Any leads to where I can get seeds in Kenya will also be highly appreciated.
Thank you.

#3

Tree lucerne ( Chamaecytisus palmensis L .), commonly known as tagasaste, is a leguminous fodder tree which is suited to the cool highland areas (2000 to 3000m above sea level) of tropical Africa, and especially Ethiopia. The foliage of tree lucerne is readily consumed by livestock and has high nutritional quality to be used as a feed supplement (crude protein content ranging from 18 to 24% and digestible DM ranging from 650 to 700 g/kg DM) (Mengesha et al. 2017, Bezabih et al 2018). The levels of phenolic compounds (tannins and alkaloids) in the leaves are generally below the levels expected to cause toxicity in ruminants (Assefa et al. 2008). The seeds can also be used as an ingredient in poultry rations.

#6

Hi Fred, I have gotten input from some of our staff and in general it seems that seed is hard to find and that Tree lucerne will do best at higher elevations. And it was reported to be fairly common in highland Ethiopia. I hope that we can get more information from network members in Kenya.

#7

Thank you for the scientific information Mr Mohamed, I read that the phenolic levels increase when the tree lucerne is flowering and also when it experiences drought as a defense mechanism so as not to be eaten by ruminants, how true is this?

#8

Hi Bob, thank you for the follow up. Actually, I plan to plant the tree lucerne in a farm in the North Western region of Kenya, with an altitude of approximately 2100m above sea level. I still hope to find more information on seeds availability in Kenya.

#9

Hello,
Try KALRO Nyandarua for Tree Lucerne Seeds
0724492456

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#10

Dear Liz,

Thank you for the recommendation, I’ll pursue KALRO to get the seeds as per your advice.

#11

Dear all,

I found the Tree Lucerne seeds in Kenya in June 2020 and I am doing everything possible to propagate them so as to be a seed bank for farmers in Kenya and beyond.
The Tagasaste is performing quite well in Kenya at an altitude of about 2100m above sea level.

Regards,
Fred Achoke.

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#12

That is good news, Fred. KARI published an information brochure a few years ago that may be helpful – http://www.kalro.org/fileadmin/publications/brochuresII/Tree_Lucerne_livestock_feeding.pdf
(clicking on the link will download the brochure as a pdf)

#13

Thanks Bob, I will pursue it with KARI (now called KALRO) to see whether they have certified seeds.
The brochure is quite helpful, thank you.

#14

Hello Fred, could it be possible for you to send me a kg of tagasaste seeds to Uganda via bus

#15

Hello I need these seeds in Kisumu kenya where can I buy them

Conrad +12676702119 (WhatsApp)

#16

Dear Conrad,

I found them at a farmers group in Njabini, Kenya.
You can reach the representative on mobile number +254724492456