The determination of yield and some yield components of different forage Kochia (Kochia prostrata (L.) Schrad.) phenotypes collected and grown from natural areas

Forage Kochia (Kochia prostrata) is a perennial semi-evergreen shrub species belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family and native to Turkey's rangeland. Owing to its particular biological properties such as, drought, cold, and salt tolerance, deep root systems, and rapid growth rate, this species is primarily used for erosion control and reclamation of degraded areas. The stem color of forage kochia generally varies from red, yellow, gray, or white, and can even show a color variance according to soil type. This research aimed to compare forage kochia of varying stem colors grown in Konya's arid conditions with respect to their morphological and yield properties. The research compared Red, Green, and an Intermediate phenotype (i.e., a stem color form between the Red and Green phenotypes). The Red phenotype emerged as having a higher hay yield (i.e., 140 % greater hay yield than the Parcel form) and thus, is highly recommended for increasing pastureland yield; whereas, the Green phenotype had a higher seed yield (i.e., 85% higher seed yield than the Parcel form) and is the favored phenotype in terms of seed production. In this regard, the Green phenotype could potentially be the most suitable phenotype when considering precedence for natural seeding under specific rangeland conditions; while, the Red phenotype would be more appropriate for sustainable forage crop production where low precipitation and wind erosion is prevalent. For this reason, we recommend that an in-depth investigation of varying forage kochia phenotypes be considered for their suitability in Turkish pastureland reclamation and improvement.