Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp. A MULTIPURPOSE ARBOREAL SPECIES FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY OF TROPICAL AGROECOSYSTEMS

Abstract

Objective: Review the various uses and applications of Gliricidia sepium in tropical agroecosystems.
Design/methodology/approach: In this article we reviewed literature on Gliricidia sepium from the last 20 years, focusing on those publications that present results on uses, applications and ecosystem services; in order to provide relevant information in tropical agroecosystems.
Results: We find that Gliricidia sepium, is an arboreal species that presents diverse alternatives of use within agroecosystems, that allow to improve livestock production, management in the control of pests and diseases in various crops, supports the symbiotic fixation of nitrogen and therefore, it presents diverse important ecosystem services in tropical agroecosystems.
Limitations of the study/implications: Although it is considered an important plant in animal feed and with diverse ecosystem services, little relevant information was found on the effect of secondary metabolites on other organisms and the value it presents in the interaction with other living beings.
Findings/Conclusions: The inclusion of Gliricidia sepium can contribute to improve sustainability in tropical agroecosystems, because it provides ecological benefits in agroecosystems; contributes to improve the quality of the diet for the animals; In addition, it represents a viable option for the biological control of insect pests through the use of extracts for this purpose.