| Project
Title |
Developing
management systems for European varieties of white clover for multiplication
in Australia and re-export |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
SED-2A |
| Researcher: |
Mr Ted Higgs |
| Organisation: |
SEEDCO
78 Burbridge Road
HILTON, SA 5033 |
| Phone: |
08 8234 9333 |
| Fax: |
08 8234 6133 |
| Objectives |
Multiply European
vanities of white clover for export by:
-
identifying the optimum varieties suitable for multiplication
in Australia
-
developing optimal management systems for these species.
|
| Background |
White clover seed production in
Australia increased following the registration of the cultivar Haifa in
March 1971, and has been concentrated in the south east district of South
Australia and adjacent Western Victoria. Haifa has been the dominant cultivar
grown for seed. Attempts to cultivate other species have not been very
successful. |
| Research |
An overview of the industry was
prepared and three experiments were conducted.
Experiment one compared Haifa and Huia species, also Aran,
Karina, Zaoican and Grasslands Kopu were considered. Experiment two considered
the species Tamar, Lune de Mai, and Crau. Experiment three gave specific
regard to vernalisation and its impact on inflorescences. |
| Outcomes |
Haifa outperformed all other species.
The lower success ate of these other species is proportional to the degree
that the species vary from Haifa particularly in their adaptation to high
latitudes and low winter temperatures. |
| Project
Title |
Development
of varieties of six species of fodder legumes for sowing-seed and hay export |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
SED-8A |
| Researcher: |
Dr Ross W Downes |
| Organisation: |
Seedco
78 Burbridge Rd
HILTON SA 5033 |
| Phone: |
08 82349333 |
| Fax: |
08 82346133 |
| Objectives |
-
To modify selected fodder species in order to enhance seed
yield and forage production for improved export potential.
|
| Background |
Tall-growing annual fodder legumes
have a long history of use in Europe for green manure, silage and hay.
In Australia they have found little acceptance in contrast to the prostrate
annual legumes such as sub clover and medics used for grazing. When opportunities
to export quality sowing-seed to the EU arose, Australia could provide
quality through seed certification schemes but not the high seed yielding
varieties of fodder legumes. This program was designed to produce the required
varieties for seed export with emphasis on seed yield and disease resistance
under Australian farm conditions to make the varieties competitive and
requiring minimal chemical inputs to seed production. At the same time,
changes in the prosperity of Australian farming systems have suggested
a place for fodder legumes for hay production and in crop rotations on
Australian farms. |
| Research |
Following market research, six
species were selected for modification. The aim was to increase their seed
production in the southern Australian winter rainfall environment by adapting
the crops’ growth patterns to seasonal rain expectation and to increase
disease resistance under these conditions. Accessions were accumulated
from various sources, direct selections were made in the field, and the
most appropriate stocks were identified. Recombination was achieved by
manually crossing plants to produce hybrids, or by allowing recombination
to be achieved by cross-pollination by bees. Plants were selected in various
locations and potential varieties were compared in plots. Plants were checked
for disease resistance in the field or with artificial inoculation in glasshouses.
Varieties commercialised were sown in nurseries for description and inspection
in order to obtain Plant Breeders Rights. |
| Outcomes |
The following outcomes were achieved:
-
In common vetch (Vicia sativa) the varieties Vedura,
Velero and Vestar were released and requirements for Plant Breeders Rights
have been completed. These varieties have high seed yield potential and
differ in maturity, providing the opportunity for vetch to be grown in
different rainfall zones. Two other selections, one early and one late
flowering are also available for commercialisation.
-
Two varieties of woolly-pod vetch (Vicia villosa)
have also been produced. One is Capello with soft seed, while Haymaker
Plus has uniform flowering and high seed yield. Both have been described
for Plant Breeders Rights protection.
-
Elite II,.a variety of berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum)
selected for high seed yield and tolerance to Kabatiella attack
has been released and PBR applied for.
-
In persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum var majus)
the varieties Laser and Leeton were selected for rust resistance and high
seed yield have been described for PBR and are available commercially.
-
A selection of arrowleaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum)
is performing very well in both fodder and seed production in trials and
is being considered for commercialisation.
Despite intensive efforts to locate suitable types of red
clover (Trifolium pratense) for seed production in a winter rainfall
environment, all accessions evaluated flowered over an extended period
and well into the summer. It appears that this crop not is suited for seed
production in regions with winter rainfall. |
| Implications |
The eight varieties developed,
and three potential varieties of fodder legumes emerging from this program
have significant potential for sowing-seed export. In addition, many of
the varieties have considerable possibilities in Australia. They are being
evaluated for weed control, for hay and silage production, as green manure
crops in the cotton and rice industries, as cover crops for lucerne and
as alternatives to grain legumes. They can increase the flexibility of
farming rotations, fixing nitrogen and breaking disease cycles. |
| Project
Title |
Management
of phytophthora root rot in subterranean clover for a viable pasture
seeds industry |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DAV-94A |
| Researcher: |
Dr Ramez Aldaoud, Wendy Guppy,
Dr Sze Flett, Tony Cook. |
| Organisation: |
Department of Natural Resources
and Environment -
Agriculture Victoria
Institute of Sustainable Irrigated Agriculture
Ferguson Road,
TATURA, VIC 3616 |
| Phone: |
03 5833 5222 |
| Fax: |
03 5833 5299 |
| Email: |
AldaoudR, GuppyW, FlettS, CookT@salty.agvic.gov.au |
| Objectives |
-
To determine the distribution of Phytophthora clandestina
and its races in southern Australia.
-
To define the most appropriate timing for cost effective
fungicide application for subclover root rot control in dryland pastures.
|
| Background |
Subterranean clover (subclover)
root rot is a serious disease problem caused by the fungus P. clandestina.
There are currently two methods for root rot control: (1) the use of root
rot resistant subclover varieties, and (2) the application of potassium
phosphonate (Foli-r-Fosâ ). However, disease
resistance is becoming threatened due to the development of new forms (races)
of the fungus which are capable of breaking down resistance. In particular,
race 1, which has been isolated in Victoria, New South Wales and South
Australia, is highly infectious on Trikkala, Larisa and Karridale, cultivars
previously known for their high root rot resistance. This shows an urgent
need to: (1) understand the range of variation this fungus has, and (2)
complement resistance with other methods for disease control. |
| Research |
A national survey, covering NSW,
Vic, SA and WA was conducted during 1994 - 97 to determine the distribution
of P. clandestina and its races. This fungus was found to
infect 28 - 48 % of the subclover paddocks surveyed and appears to have
many different races. Only four of these races are recognisable, and the
majority (60 - 75 %) of them do not fit into the four known races.
Distribution maps positioning where P. clandestina
and its races were detected have been produced using the latest Global
Positioning System (GPS) technology.
The effect of the fungicide Foli-r-Fosâon
subclover root rot in dryland pastures was also studied. Seedling counts
and the first autumn break (rainfall is greater or equal to 25mm) were
factors monitored to determine timing of fungicide applications. However,
this study was not conclusive enough to define the most effective way of
using this fungicide, an area that requires more research. |
| Outcomes |
A resistance screening protocol
was developed, incorporating both previously known races and the new races
of the fungus. It is proposed breeders and pathologists use this protocol
to provide industry with subclover varieties which are resistant to a wide
range of P. clandestina races.
A large collection of P. clandestina was
obtained during the national survey. This collection is a valuable resource
for future research into this disease and its control. |
| Implications |
-
The key for making resistance in commercial cultivars more
reliable and lasting for root rot control is that the resistance screening
protocol is kept updated. This cannot be achieved without continuous monitoring
of P. clandestina races and then incorporating the new races
into the protocol. The large fungal collection ( 256 P. clandestina
cultures) we have still requires grouping into races.
-
Developing and adopting other complementary approaches (eg.
chemicals and cultural best practices) for root rot control would contribute
to improving the effectiveness and durability of resistant varieties and
the overall control of root rot. This area requires further exploration.
-
Maps showed random spreads of P. clandestina
and its races, which is perhaps an indication of how subclover was initially
introduced and distributed around Australia. Managing resistance by means
of regulating the release and use of resistant cultivars can be important
in reducing disease risks due to new races and may impact positively on
the longevity of resistance.
|
| Project
Title |
Occurrence
and severity of ‘lucerne yellows’ disease in lucerne seed crops |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
US-75A |
| Researcher: |
Dr Geoff Gurr, |
| Organisation: |
Orange Agricultural College
The University of Sydney,
PO Box 883,
ORANGE, NSW, 2800. |
| Phone: |
02 6360 5551 |
| Fax: |
02 6360 5590 |
| Email: |
ggurr@oac.usyd.edu.au |
| Objectives |
-
To determine, by means of survey work, the occurrence and
severity of ‘lucerne yellows’ disease in lucerne seed crops in Australia
-
To ascertain the need for further research and development
investment in order to better understand the causes of this disease and
to devise an appropriate control strategy.
|
| Background |
Lucerne is one of the most valuable
pasture legume seed crops in Australia. Anecdotal evidence available prior
to this project being undertaken suggested that lucerne yellows was an
important disease of seed crops. However, such evidence related to isolated
outbreaks and specific reporting incidents. No work had been undertaken
to estimate the overall impact of the disease. Formal research was therefore
required to determine its occurrence and severity before an appropriate
response could be planned. |
| Research |
Two surveys were conducted to
determine the impact of the disease on two important sectors of the seed
industry. An interview-based survey captured detailed information
from eight seed house offices regarding severity of the disease in their
seed crops in recent years. A second, telephone and post-based survey captured
equivalent data from 62 individual growers. Reliability of information
was maximised by giving all interviewees an illustrated, colour guide to
the identification of lucerne yellows. In addition to the explicit objective
of the original study, data was captured from New South Wales (NSW) and
from South Australia (SA) in a fashion which allowed comparisons between
these two major lucerne seed-growing States to determine whether they suffered
different levels of disease damage. |
| Outcomes |
The chief findings are that just
2 of the 36 growers surveyed in NSW and 4 of the 26 growers from SA had
not observed the disease in their crops. The most common response to a
question seeking information about how frequently symptoms had been observed
was ‘every year’ in both States. In NSW the majority of growers reported
the disease in all or most of their lucerne stands, whilst in SA occurrence
in few or very few stands was reported as frequently. Incidence within
crops was reported to be as high as 50-75 percent of plants but the majority
of interviewees estimated incidence of affected plants to be lower. The
vast majority of growers in both States took no action against the disease;
an understandable response since neither the identity of the pathogen nor
its vector(s) are known so formal control recommendations have not been
available. Overall the majority of growers surveyed in both States viewed
the disease as an actual or potential problem. Disease severity estimates
were obtained for a total of 31 cultivars. Individual growers indicated
that marked differences were evident in susceptibility of cultivars but
responses were not always consistent; some growers reporting a given cultivar
badly affected whilst others reporting it to be unaffected.
Results were obtained from two NSW-based seed houses,
two SA-based seed houses, and one with interests in both States. Eight
interviews were held with different representatives of seed houses in order
to capture detailed information specific to defined districts. Of the eight
interviewees, all reported lucerne yellows within their crops. Indications
of losses resulting from lucerne yellows included estimates of: 25 % yield
loss, 50% yield loss (worth $0.5M) in 1997, losses of 10-60%, and losses
of up to 90% in ‘bad’ years. Generally the frequency and severity of the
disease was higher in NSW than in SA. Information on varietal susceptibility
suggested that marked differences were evident though no formal screening
was reported. |
| Implications |
This project has delivered an
understanding of the impact of lucerne yellows.
Overall, results from seed houses support those from individual
growers in showing that lucerne yellows disease occurs frequently in both
NSW and SA and that its severity is such that significant economic losses
are resulting. The annual loss is estimated to be $7M. It is therefore
considered appropriate that further research investment be made to determine
the causes of the disease and develop a cost effective and environmentally
sustainable control strategy for this important seeds industry.
Results are being disseminated by industry-orientated
(as well as technical) publications and the Internet. |
| Project
Title |
Evaluation
of lucerne varieties for seed yield and strategies to enhance seed productivity |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
IPB-1A |
| Start
Date: |
1/07/98 |
| Finish
Date: |
30/09/01 |
| Researcher: |
Dr Ross Downes |
| Organisation: |
Innovative Plant Breeders Pty
Ltd
PO Box 256
HAWKER ACT 2614 |
| Phone: |
02 6255 1461 |
| Fax: |
02 6255 1461 |
| Email: |
ipb@ozemail.com.au |
| Objectives |
-
This project will identify the Australian and overseas varieties
of lucerne with the highest yield potential. Genetic and environmental
factors related to low seed production will be identified. Breeders will
be advised of attributes which positively affect yield potential.
|
| Current
Progress |
Field studies on commercial farms
are evaluating the effect of genetic and environmental factors on seed-yield.
Following discussions with farmers identified by industry partners, modified
management practices were implemented to determine their effect on yield.
Suitable experimental plots were selected and plants were tagged in a number
of fields. A nursery was established in Canberra to allow physiological
studies to complement field observations. Effect of irrigation management
on seed yield is being assessed by crop sampling, and data are being compared
with the yield observed in a harvester with a GPS navigation system constantly
linked to a seed-flow meter.
During the 1999 seed production period, observations and
plant samples were taken over an extended period from more than 50 lucerne
fields in major seed production areas, in SA and NSW. Samples were analysed
for height, branching, numbers of inflorescences, weight of stem and seed
yield. Data on time of flowering, number and frequency of irrigations and
time of harvest are currently being interpreted.
Preliminary results indicate some varieties are superior
in seed yield. Within varieties there is also variation in yield. Genetic
and environmental influences are being studied. Data collected are expected
to indicate factors associated with superior yield. |
| Project
Title |
Seed
production of creeping vigna |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
SBS-1A |
| Start
Date: |
1 January 1997 |
| Finish
Date: |
31 December 1999 |
| Researcher: |
Dr Donald Loch |
| Organisation: |
Queensland Department of Primary
Industries
PO Box 395
GYMPIE QLD 4570 |
| Phone: |
07 5482 1522 |
| Fax: |
07 5482 1529 |
| Objectives |
In relation
to Vigna parkeri, the project aims
-
To document development and seed production of seed crops;
-
To determine environmental factors controlling flowering,
and to explore possible manipulation of flowering in seed crops;
-
To develop appropriate commercial seed production strategies
and methods, including defoliation and irrigation practices and herbicide
use;
-
To enhance field establishment by developing effective methods
for reducing hardseededness; and
-
To evaluate seed production characteristics of Vigna
germplasm approaching release.
|
| Current
Progress |
A sequential harvesting experiment
is in progress at the Neusavale site to follow development of the seed
crop through to maturity (July). Management of this crop is restricted
to ‘best bet’ methods.
Controlled glasshouse studies of the environmental factor(s)
that control flowering in creeping vigna were conducted by Jessica Wade
(B.Sc. Honours student) at the University of Queensland under the supervision
of Dr Colin Turnbull (UQ Department of Botany). In conjunction with field
behaviour, this has led to the development of the following hypothesis
to explain the results and flowering behaviour observed. It appears that
temperature needs to be below a threshold level for flowering to occur,
at which time this can be triggered/enhanced by a significant rainfall
event. Photoperiod appears to have little, if any, effect on flowering.
Water stress is detrimental to the flowering on creeping vigna, in contrast
to other tropical/subtropical legumes.
Early grass control (early January cf. mid-February) produced
a better balance between cv. Shaw and companion grass in a field experiment
at Neusavale. Studies of irrigation management have not been possible because
of the generally good rainfall received throughout the growing season.
A range of techniques for breaking hardseededness has
been compared on a single seed lot. Further work awaits the availability
of additional seed lots after the current year’s harvest in about August.
In observation plots, a second blue-flowered line of creeping
vigna has so far failed to flower, suggesting a prolonged juvenile period
for the species. Vigna oblongifolia has not flowered strongly (in
contrast to previous years elsewhere), suggesting that moisture stress
may be an important factor in stimulating flowering. |
| Project
Title |
Improved
irrigation and crop diversification for the irrigated pasture seed industry |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
SAR–11A |
| Start
Date: |
1/10/97 |
| Finish
Date: |
30/09/01 |
| Researcher: |
Mr Garry Macphie |
| Organisation: |
South Australian Research and
Development Institute
PIRSA Rural Solutions
9 Old North Road
CLARE SA 5453 |
| Phone: |
08 842 3900; Mob: 0417 814 891 |
| Fax: |
08 842 3775 |
| Objectives |
-
Refine current irrigation management of pasture seed in order
to improve gross margins and reduce water use.
-
Identify suitable alternative crops with less irrigation
water requirements and equal or greater salinity tolerance than lucerne
– preference will be given to crops with import replacement potential.
-
Evaluate irrigation management techniques which will maximise
the potential economic return from the identified crops.
-
Encourage the up-take and best management of the identified
crops by seed irrigators.
-
Advance the establishment of industry to process the new
produce.
|
| Current
Progress |
Base line data has been collected
from an established trial site to determine crop water use of various lucerne
varieties. A large spreadsheet and software program is currently being
refined so that crop water use can be eventually determined from the data
collected from the trial site.
Crop water use will be determined by measuring all aspects
of the water balance.
Equipment used to measure the aspects of the water balance,
include a weather station in which data collected will be put in to the
Penman-Monteith model. Volumetric soil water content is determined by EnviroSCAN,
Reflectometers and Neutron Probe. Hydraulic potential is being determined
by logging gypsum blocks, and tensiometers.
A literature review has been conducted on the potential
establishment of alternative crops to lucerne in the Hundred of Stirling.
The assessment of the alternative crops was based on four set criteria.
These were; economic to grow, high salt tolerance, low water use and agronomically
suitable to grow in the Hundred of Stirling. Eight crops were selected
to be researched. The crops ranged from asparagus to canola.
Three crops have been selected to trial as alternative
crops in the area. These are canola, linola and safflower. Olives was also
considered, but due to the time constraints of the project is was decided
not too. |
