Culture and Use of Black Locust

Abstract

<jats:p><jats:italic>Robinia</jats:italic> L. (locust) species are among the most widely planted tree species in the world because they are ornamentally attractive, drought tolerant, fast growing, fix nitrogen, have very hard durable wood, and are adaptable to many sites and climates. Recent taxonomic analysis indicates there are four species, black locust (<jats:italic>R. pseudoacacia</jats:italic> L.); bristly locust (<jats:italic>R. hispida</jats:italic> L.); clammy locust (<jats:italic>R. viscosa</jats:italic> Vent.); and new mexican locust (<jats:italic>R. neomexicana</jats:italic> A. Gray). All four species originate in the southern United States and northern Mexico. Many horticultural cultivars are available. Locusts are tolerant of a wide range of soil types so long as there is good drainage, adequate moisture, and it is not very clayey. The environmental tolerance of locust makes it an excellent candidate for horticultural uses and for future breeding and selection to enhance its many desirable traits. It is easy to propagate via seed, root cuttings, soft- or hardwood cuttings, budding/grafting, or tissue culture. Locust has indeterminate growth. Spacing of plants in plantations is critical for the production of multiple products including high value timber. Locust is known for its ability to withstand drought conditions however at the cost of leaf shedding. Black locust contributes high levels of nitrogen to the soil from nitrogen fixing bacterial symbiosis. The major drawback to large-scale production of black locust in its native range is the damage that occurs from the locust borer (<jats:italic>Megacyllene robiniae</jats:italic> Forster). When planted outside the range of the locust borer it can be grown successfully as landscape specimen trees and as trees large enough for lumber production when varieties with straight trunks are grown. Damage from locust leaf miner (<jats:italic>Odontata dorsalis</jats:italic> Thunberg) can greatly detract from the trees ornamental qualities. Its most common use is as a site reclamation species. The tree is also used in honey production. The wood is highly decay resistant and is greatly valued for poles and posts. The wood is extremely hard and easy to work making it highly desirable for many construction uses.</jats:p>

An effective method for axillary bud culture and RAPD analysis of cloned plants in tetraploid black locust

“…It contributes high levels of nitrogen to the soil through the rhizobium in its roots (DeGomez and Wagner 2001). Tetraploid black locust can be produced by artificial chromosome doubling of diploid black locust.…”

Genetic diversity analysis of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) distributed in China based on allozyme markers approach

“…It is reported that black locust was introduced to Europe in 1600, from where it was brought to China in 1889 (Institute of Forestry Study of Shandong, 1982). Now, black locust is naturalized throughout much of the world's temperate zones owing to its strong adaptability to many abiotic stresses, and its ability to improve and stabilize soils (Keresztesi, 1993;Degomez and Wagner, 2001;Holle et al, 2006). As an economically valuable tree species, black locust is often used for surface mining, timber production, and for livestock browsers (Horton and Christensen, 1981;McCray et al, 1992;Ayers et al, 1996;Burner et al, 2008).…”

“…Moreover, as its connected subterranean root distribution helps to reduce soil erosion and provide nitrogen, black locust has become one of the most ecologically important plant species to reclaim devastated lands and promote soil stabilization (Boring and Swank, 1984a, b;Bożena et al, 2009). The economic and ecological value of this tree enhances the planting of black locust throughout of the world (Woo et al, 1997;Cho, 1999;Degomez and Wagner, 2001;Rédei, 2002;Rédei et al, 2002;Zerbe et al, 2004;Kim and Lee, 2005;Burner et al, 2006).…”

Effects of different supplements on tetraploid black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) silage

“…It is ornamentally attractive, drought-tolerant, fast growing and adaptable to different sites and climates (DeGomez and Wagner, 2001). The species is widely planted in the United States, Europe and Asia for erosion control, land reclamation of drastically disturbed sites, as windbreaks, for nursery crops, amelioration of sites, honey production and ornamental use (Huntley, 2010).…”