LegumeAnnualWarm season

Crescent Sunn™

Crotalaria juncea

An improved, uniform selection of Crotalaria juncea that establishes rapidly to build biomass, fix nitrogen and support cover-crop, soil-restoration and managed forage systems in warm climates.

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Technical variety profile

At a glance

Selected from natural Thai germplasm, Crescent Sunn™ combines vigorous growth and field uniformity with a 6–8 week green-manure window and strong biomass production under suitable conditions.

Growth cycle6–8 weeksGreen-manure target

Dry biomass5,000–7,000 lb/acReported range

NitrogenUp to 200 kg/haCycle-specific guide

Crude protein18–22%Harvest-stage dependent

Drilled rate15–20 lb/ac

Broadcast rate25–30 lb/ac

Best fit

Where Crescent Sunn™ belongs

Warm-season cover-crop and green-manure windowsVegetable, row-crop, orchard and vineyard rotationsMixed stands with annual or perennial grassesManaged forage and rotational grazing before floweringRotations targeting selected root-knot and reniform nematodes after diagnosis

#nitrogen#nematodes#biomass#forage#green-manure

Why it performs

Three reasons to shortlist it

Rapid, uniform cover

Vigorous establishment and a dense canopy protect the soil surface, compete with weeds and build organic biomass.

Nitrogen and root function

Biological nitrogen fixation and extensive rooting support nutrient cycling, soil structure and water infiltration.

Flexible system fit

Fits crop rotations, green-manure programs and well-managed mixtures with grasses for forage and grazing.

Technical data

Comparable specifications

Growth cycle6–8 weeksGreen-manure target

Dry biomass5,000–7,000 lb/acReported range

NitrogenUp to 200 kg/haCycle-specific guide

Crude protein18–22%Harvest-stage dependent

Drilled rate15–20 lb/acTechnical reference

Broadcast rate25–30 lb/acTechnical reference

Genetic originImproved selection from natural Thai germplasmTechnical reference

Growth habitErect, branching annualTechnical reference

AdaptationTropical and subtropical systemsTechnical reference

SoilWell-drained soils preferredTechnical reference

Planting temperatureAbove 65°F / 18°CTechnical reference

Frost responseKilled by hard frost near 32°F / 0°CTechnical reference

Planting depth1–2 cmTechnical reference

Primary usesCover crop, green manure, soil restorationTechnical reference

Additional usesManaged forage, grazing and grass mixturesTechnical reference

Primary product documents

Download the technical sheet

Choose the language for a concise guide to key benefits, establishment, management, specifications and limitations.

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Crescent Sunn™ Tech Sheet

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Ficha Técnica de Crescent Sunn™

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Establishment

Build the stand correctly

01Plant in full sun after soils exceed 65°F / 18°C and frost risk has passed.
02Place seed 1–2 cm deep; avoid burying small seed too deeply.
03Use 15–20 lb/ac when drilled or 25–30 lb/ac when broadcast, unless local guidance differs.
04Treat seed with the appropriate Bradyrhizobium inoculant to support strong nodulation and nitrogen fixation.

Management

Turn potential into performance

For green manure, plan termination before stems become woody and before seed set.
Coordinate termination with the following crop’s nitrogen demand and planting interval.
For forage or rotational grazing, use before flowering and confirm the intended animal-use program locally.
In mixed stands, manage companion grasses so Crescent Sunn™ contributes forage quality and biological nitrogen without being crowded out.
For nematode programs, confirm the target species and local host response before selecting the rotation.
Crescent Sunn™ is an improved selection rather than a newly bred variety; Tropical Seeds is using this foundation to develop a future Plant Breeders’ Rights variety with additional genetic improvements.

Limitations & safety

Know where it does not fit

Crescent Sunn™ is a warm-season crop that is completely killed by hard frost.
Nematode response varies by species, population and crop sequence.
Seed and mature pods should not be treated as feed; livestock use requires approved management guidance.
Biomass, nitrogen contribution and crude protein vary with climate, stand, fertility and harvest stage.
Residue, allelopathy and plant-back timing must be considered for sensitive following crops.

Technical resources