To
Pasture Seeds Research in Progress
|
2.6
PASTURE SEEDS - COMPLETED PROJECTS
|
PROJECT
No |
PROJECT
TITLE |
RESEARCHER |
PHONE |
ORGANISATION |
Improved Production Efficiency
Incorporate Environmental
Considerations in Sustainable Production Systems
|
2.6
PASTURE SEEDS - COMPLETED PROJECTS prior to 2005-2006
|
PROJECT
No |
PROJECT
TITLE |
RESEARCHER |
PHONE |
ORGANISATION |
Improved Production Efficiency
Export and Import Replacement
Opportunities
Availability of Technical
and Economic Information
Improved Production Efficiency
Improved Production Efficiency
Environmental Issues for
Industry
Support Industry Quality
Assurance and Self Regulation
Completed Projects - Improved
Production Efficiency
| Project
Title |
Improving
lucerne pollination with leafcutter bees - stage 2 |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
CSE-91A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Denis Anderson |
| Organisation: |
CSIRO
Entomology |
| Phone: |
(02)
6246 4148 |
| Fax: |
(02)
6246 4000 |
| Email: |
Denis.Anderson@csiro.au |
| Objectives |
The
outcome will be increased profitability for the lucerne seed industry,
achieved by improving seed yield through the use of leafcutter bees as
pollinators. The deliverables:
· Cost-effective
quarantine procedures for importing Canadian leafcutter bees.
· Improved methods
for managing imported Canadian leafcutter bees under Australian conditions.
|
| Background |
Seed
yields from lucerne crops in Australia are, on average, much smaller than
those obtained in Canada and the United States. The higher overseas yields
are mostly attributed to better pollination achieved through the use of
the leafcutter bee, Megachile rotundata. The establishment of this
bee in Australia, and its wide adoption as a pollinator of lucerne, will
improve lucerne seed yields.
Major obstacles have prevented
the rapid establishment of the leafcutter bee in Australia. During an earlier
stage of the current project the complex quarantine and environmental issues
involved with importing the bee from Canada and getting it established
in the field were resolved. The thrust of the current project was to assist
the rapid establishment of the bee in Australia by improving importation
and quarantine processes to enable very large numbers of bees to be imported
in single shipments. |
| Research |
Approximately
1 million leafcutter bees were imported from Canada during each year of
the project (2002/03, 2003/04 and 2004/05). Shipping procedures were streamlined
and shorted, reducing bee losses. Upon arrival in Australia the bees were
introduced into a high security quarantine centre at CSIRO Entomology in
Canberra. Modifications made to the way bees were processed in quarantine,
particularly modifications made to containers used to remove bees from
incubation chambers, resulted in faster processing times and the release
of healthier bees. Improvements made to on-farm practices for managing
bees released from quarantine, particularly to the ways bees were released
and held on crops, resulted in fewer bee losses.
Recovery of cells (leaf-covered
cocoons containing immature new bees) from each batch of released bees
was below expectation, being adversely affected by poor weather shortly
after the bees were released, or by inappropriate insecticide use once
the bees were established on crops. The holding of recovered cells at 2oC
for two days during the over-wintering phase was found to be an effective
control against a local parasitoid, Melittobia hawaiensis. |
| Outcomes |
· Streamlined processes
for safely importing large numbers of Canadian leafcutter bees in single
shipments.
· Improved methods
for (a) delivering imported bees from quarantine to lucerne crops and,
(b) managing leafcutter bees on lucerne crops under Australian conditions.
· A DNA based diagnostic
method for distinguishing imported leafcutter bees (Megachile rotundata)
from native leafcutter bee species.
|
| Implications |
This
project has allowed for large numbers of leafcutter bees to be imported
from Canada in single shipments, thus overcoming the last major obstacle
for establishing leafcutter bees in Australia. It is now up to the Australian
lucerne industry to exploit this opportunity and move toward establishing
the bee as a means to improving lucerne seed yields. |
| Publications |
Lawrence,
L. & Anderson, D. (2004). Leafcutter bees lift lucerne seed production.
Farming
Ahead, 152: 60-62.
Lawrence, L. & Anderson,
D. (2004). Using leafcutter bees to improve the pollination of seed lucerne.
Australian
Grain, Nov-Dec, i-ii. |
Completed Projects - Incorporate
Environmental Considerations in Sustainable Production Systems
| Project
Title |
Water
balance and quality study for lucerne seed production resources by an underground
aquifer |
| RIRDC
Project No.: |
DEB-5A |
| Researcher: |
Mr
James De Barro |
| Organisation: |
De
Barro Agricultural Consulting |
| Phone: |
(08)
8756 2777 |
| Fax: |
(08)
8756 2778 |
| Email: |
dbac@lm.net.au |
| Objectives |
· Quantify the movement
of salt from the applied irrigation water, through the soil, beyond the
lucerne root zone en route back to the ground water during and between
irrigation seasons.
· Produce a reliable,
cost-effective method for monitoring salt accessions in irrigated lucerne
seed production. Combined with the water balance study (DEB-3A) and undertaken
in the same trial sites, the research will provide information to assist
the understanding and management of irrigation water quality both in the
research area as well as irrigated lucerne elsewhere. The research is important
in developing water quality parameters for use in water allocation policy
and licencing systems and is critical for the long-term future of irrigated
lucerne seed production in the southeast region of South Australia. The
research is pivotal in maximising the irrigation volumes available to lucerne
seed producers and forces the DWLBC to be fair and honest in its development
of the future licencing system.
|
| Background |
The
irrigated lucerne seed producer’s ability to irrigate provides an opportunity
to obtain yields above that of a dryland system and generate an income
that otherwise would not be possible. The right to irrigate comes with
inherited responsibilities to use the resource in an efficient and ecologically
sustainable manner. Such responsibility is under increasing political and
social scrutiny as the demand for the resource increases. Present day and
future lucerne seed irrigators need to be seen by all sections of the community
to be actively researching a solution to efficient and effective water
use thereby justifying existing demand for irrigation in a sustainable
system.
The research aimed to develop
a reliable method for quantifying the movement of salts from the applied
irrigation water, through the soil, beyond the root zone en route back
to the ground water during and between irrigation seasons. Research such
as this is needed for irrigated lucerne seed producers to quantify the
impact of their irrigation practices on their water quality. This information
will provide the benchmark data for development of sustainable irrigation
practices for the future. In the short and long term the research is essential
for irrigated seed producers to quantify the direct impact of their irrigation
practices on the underground aquifer to enable them to support their requirements
in water allocation policy and licencing system implementation.
This research is significantly
funded from irrigated lucerne seed producers and will provide information
upon which to develop improvements in efficiency whilst at least maintaining
production and will be evidence to relevant government authorities and
communities of irrigators consciousness of the importance of developing
management systems that permit profitable yet ecologically sustainable
irrigation water use. Irrigators require their own independent research
to collect data that can be used to support their business interests and
they need to be an active participant in the research so as to achieve
a fair and equitable result. |
| Research |
Five
field trial sites were established in lucerne seed crops in the Keith region
of South Australia. Four of the trial sites were situated on soil types
typical of border check flood irrigation in the Tatiara Prescribed Wells
area. A fifth site was established under a centre pivot and was located
in the Coombe area, north of Keith in Tintinara Coonalpyn Prescribed Wells
Area. The centre pivot site was only installed to monitor the ground water
salinity and lysimeter data.
The water balance aspect
of this project was performed for the flood irrigation according to the
methodology outlined in ‘Dividing the Droplet’ (RIRDC Pub.No. 05/116).
Three lysimeters were created
at each site and proved to be an effective means of sampling soil water.
Lysimeter depths were approximately 1, 2 and 3 metres deep. The lysimeter
enabled soil stored water to be sampled via the ceramic tip at the depth
of interest. The soil water sample was analysed for salinity using the
DWLBC salinity tester at the Naracoorte office. This is the same device
used for salinity analysis of the district’s observation wells.
Each flood site had a groundwater
monitoring well installed. The wells were situated in the middle of the
bay of the flood irrigated crops and halfway between the pivot’s centre
and circumference. The wells were constructed to the same depth as the
irrigation bore supplying the irrigation water. Each well had a continuously
recording water level and salinity sensor installed. The well was located
adjacent to the C-Probe and lysimeters. The water level and salinity sensor
was calibrated by manual sampling. The data was recorded and transmitted
by telemetry to a base computer. |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) - Improved Production Efficiency
| Project
Title |
Solving
seed production limits for sulla and purple clover as fodders |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
UWA-65A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Mike Ewing |
| Organisation: |
University
of Western Australia |
| Phone: |
(08)
9380 1876 |
| Fax: |
(08)
9380 1140 |
| Email: |
mewing@cyllene.uwa.edu.au |
| Objectives |
The
project will deliver for sulla and purple clover:
· Commercial cultivars
of sulla and purple clover with good adaptation and acceptable harvest/processing
characteristics.
· A detailed understanding
of current best practice for commercial harvest and seed processing of
the target species.
· A detailed understanding
of the plant characters that will confer improved harvestability and handling.
· Selection methodologies
for use in practical plant breeding programs for enhanced harvest and handling
characteristics.
· Cohorts for further
field evaluation that will provide second generation cultivars with elite
harvest/processing abilities.
|
| Background |
Purple
clover (Trifolium purpureum) and sulla (Hedysarum coronarium)
were identified in RIRDC project UWA-30A "Sulla and Other Forage Species
for Southern Australia" (Publication No. 00/41) as being highly productive
species with great potential as high quality forage legumes in new farming
systems for southern Australia. A major constraint to their adoption, however,
is in the provision of low-cost seed, while Paratta, the original purple
clover cultivar, failed commercially due to its susceptibility to clover
scorch disease (Kabatiella caulivora). |
| Research |
The
project identified 74 accessions of purple clover with resistance to clover
scorch disease. This is the first record of resistance to the disease.
The 13 promising purple clover genotypes in UWA-30 were further evaluated
in WA and NSW. CPI 139465 and CIZ12Pur-A, both with resistance to clover
scorch and good threshing characteristics, were identified as the best
performing varieties and underwent selection for uniformity of leaf markers.
CPI 139465NM, has subsequently been short-listed for cultivar release.
Eighteen elite lines have also been selected for national field evaluation
trials.
Field evaluation of promising
sulla genotypes from UWA-30 identified HRN83-A as one of the best performing
line. It has been short-listed for cultivar release. New softseeded sulla
genotypes that would not require post harvest dehulling have also been
identified. Their further development is the subject of a new RIRDC project.
Threshability experiments,
using both commercial and experimental machinery, were conducted on both
species to develop improved seed processing efficiencies. |
| Outcomes |
CPI
139465NM purple clover and HRN83-A sulla, have been short-listed for release
as new cultivars, subject to satisfactory pre-basic seed increase. A final
decision on their release will be made in early 2006, in consultation with
RIRDC.
Elite germplasm of both species,
with improved seed processing capabilities and disease resistance, has
also been identified for further variety development.
Reliable screening techniques
in both species have been developed for threshability, while the mechanical,
physical and climatic parameters for harvesting are better understood. |
| Implications |
This
project has taken two relatively unknown species to Australian agriculture
to the point of commercial release. This will provide industry with two
new highly productive and sustainable forage options. While some seed production
and processing hurdles still need overcoming to markedly reduce seed costs,
this project has identified genotypes and harvesting technologies to make
significant inroads towards this objective. |
| Publications |
Gajda,
K. and Snowball, R. (2002). Morphological diversity of purple clover. Proceedings
of the 12th Australasian Plant Breeding Conference, September 2002, Perth
Western Australia, 218-221. |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) – Export and Import Replacement Opportunities
| Project
Title |
Determine
international standards for disease testing of lucerne seed |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
SAR-25A |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Kathy Ophel Keller |
| Organisation: |
South
Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)
Field Crops Pathology Unit |
| Phone: |
(08)
8303 9368 |
| Fax: |
(08)
8303 9393 |
| Objectives |
·
Development of accredited protocols for bacterial wilt pathogen of lucerne
seed. |
| Background |
The
export trade in lucerne seed is worth $12 million pa in Australia. All
importing countries require declarations of freedom from bacterial wilt.
All importing countries use tests of varying standards to accept or reject
shipments. The lack of international standards for bacterial wilt (Clavibacter
michiganensis subsp. insidiosus) or Verticillium wilt of lucerne
exposes seed companies to potentially large losses if a shipment is rejected.
The International Seed Health
Initiative (ISHI) was formed by the Seed Trade Federation (FIS) to standardise
disease testing and remove restrictions based on non-acceptance of disease
test standards between countries. An ISHI Technical Committee was formed
in 1998 to standardise testing for herbage and grass seeds. Lucerne is
the first seed crop to be evaluated. There are two objectives for lucerne:
to establish standards for Bacterial Wilt and Verticillium Wilt, and to
select the test most suitable for routine use by testing laboratories. |
| Research |
In
1999/2000 the Technical Committee evaluated three selective media for bacterial
wilt and the ELISA test developed by SARDI (SAR10A). The group also examined
variation between Cmi strains internationally and commenced a comparison
of methods for Verticillium wilt testing. SARDI participated in evaluation
of all protocols and coordinated the evaluation of the ELISA test. |
| Outcomes |
The
SARDI ELISA test worked well in 3 out of 5 laboratories. It was evident
from the ELISA and media kit ring testing that stability of reagents and
cultures shipped overseas is an issue. There will be continuing work to
stabilise reagents to finalise adoption of the ELISA test for bacterial
wilt. |
| Implications |
Acceptance
of the test by the International Seed Testing Association will facilitate
lucerne seed export. |
| Publications |
J
Gooden, DA Samac, D Caffier, K Ophel Keller and J. Sheppard (2000). Method
validation by ringtesting to establish international standards for seed
testing: a case study. Poster presentation. International Conference on
Plant Pathogenic Bacteria (PPB2000). |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) – Export and Import Replacement Opportunities
| Project
Title |
Development
of a bacterial wilt test to facilitate the export of lucerne seed |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
SAR-10A |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
Kathy Ophel Keller |
| Organisation: |
Field
Crops Pathology Unit, South Australian Research and Development Institute
(SARDI) |
| Phone: |
(08)
8303 9368 |
| Fax: |
(08)
8303 9393 |
| Objectives |
·
A specific and rapid detection assay for bacterial wilt of lucerne will
be developed. |
| Background |
The
lucerne seed industry has a total value of $8 to $10 million pa. All countries
importing lucerne seed require declarations of freedom from bacterial wilt.
Bacterial wilt of lucerne is caused by Clavibacter michiganense
subsp. insidiosus (Cmi). Existing methods of detecting the
pathogen are unreliable because they are based on plating of bacteria and
subsequent visual examination of bacterial colonies. The bacterium is very
difficult to isolate on growth media. A test was required which would be
more sensitive and reliable and did not require plating. |
| Research |
The
research project has developed an ELISA-based detection for Clavibacter
michiganense
subsp. insidiosus, (Cmi), the causal agent
of Bacterial Wilt in lucerne, in seed. |
| Outcomes |
The
availability of a test for bacterial wilt will facilitate export of lucerne
seed. The test developed in this project will be tested against other methods
of bacterial wilt detection as part of an International Seed Health Initiative
aimed at standardisation of seed testing internationally. |
| Implications |
Availability
of the test and acceptance of the test by the International Seed Testing
Association will facilitate lucerne seed export. |
| Publications |
International
Seed Testing Association/ International Seed Health Initiative Comparative
Test Plan: Bacterial Wilt of Lucerne. Published on ISTA Web Site. |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) – Export and Import Replacement Opportunities
| Project
Title |
Seed
production of creeping vigna |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
SBS-1A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Donald S. Loch |
| Organisation: |
Queensland
Department of Primary Industries |
| Phone: |
(07)
3286 1488 |
| Fax: |
(07)
3286 3094 |
| Email |
lochd@dpi.qld.gov.au |
| Objectives |
In
relation to Vigna parkeri,
· 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. |
| Background |
Vigna
parkeri (creeping vigna), a cool-growing highland tropical legume from
East Africa, is well adapted to the humid Australian subtropics (>1100
mm rainfall annually). Its growth habit - combining a stoloniferous mat
with twining lateral ‘vines’ - ensures that it is very persistent under
heavy grazing, and allows it to form stable and productive mixed pastures
with a range of grasses including strongly competitive species such as
kikuyu, setaria and signal grass. The cv. Shaw (released in 1984) is recognised
as the premier summer legume for dairy pastures in coastal southern Queensland
and northern NSW, but its widespread commercial use is constrained by seed
availability. |
| Research |
The
pattern of vegetative and reproductive development, and the progressive
production and loss of seed in a commercial crop of cv. Shaw were recorded.
The effects of day-length and moisture stress on flowering were investigated
in controlled environment experiments. Pre- and post-emergence herbicides
(for selective control of broadleaf and grass weeds) were screened in glasshouse
and field experiments. The effectiveness and reliability of different methods
of reducing hard seed levels were assessed. Seed production characteristics
of promising new Vigna accessions were assessed under nursery conditions |
| Outcomes |
‘Shaw’
did not respond to short-day conditions under controlled environment conditions,
and both high temperatures and moisture stress were detrimental to plant
growth. The safest herbicides for post-emergence control of broadleaf weeds
are the imidizolinones (imazethapyr, imazaquin), bentazone, acifluorfen
and flumetsulam, but there is the risk of some stunting of V. parkeri
seedlings. The strategic use of selective grass herbicides at sub-lethal
rates in late summer/early autumn was investigated to manipulate the level
of the grass component in mixed swards for maximum seed production potential.
In wet years, Colletotrichum and Rhizoctonia spp. can devastate maturing
seed crops. Hot water treatment (20 minutes at 70°C) was the most effective
means of reducing hard seed levels. |
| Implications |
V.
parkeri is best grown for seed mixed with a grass (eg. Pennisetum clandestinum),
which can be slowed down by a sub-lethal dose of herbicide (haloxyfop,
sethoxydim, etc) in January to provide a strong leafy canopy for flowering.
It should not be cut back during the heat of summer, and requires good
soil moisture throughout the growing season to develop a strong vegetative
framework prior to flowering in February-March. Flowering in cv. Shaw appears
to be triggered by a significant rainfall event once the temperature falls
consistently below a temperature threshold, though the field behaviour
of a second blue-flowered line (CPI 100846) is suggestive of a short-day
response. |
| Publications |
Wade,
J. (1999) Optimising the conditions for growth and reproductive development
of Vigna parkeri, a sub-tropical legume. B.Sc. Honours Thesis, Department
of Botany, University of Queensland. 30 pp. |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) – Export and Import Replacement Opportunities
| Project
Title |
Development
of export markets for cold-tolerant annual medics |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
DAS-31A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Ian Kaehne |
| Organisation: |
Northfield
Research Laboratories |
| Phone: |
(08)
8266 8333 |
| Fax: |
(08)
8261 4688 |
| Objectives |
To
develop export markets for cold-tolerant annual medics by:
· further demonstrating
that cold-tolerant cultivars with export potential can be economically
grown in Australia
· consolidating and
servicing an established overseas network of collaborators who are testing
the adaptation of cold-tolerant medics in target countries
· supporting product
development and encouraging evaluation of farming systems for using medics
in target countries
· developing those
procedures which will achieve further product improvement. |
| Background |
Annual
medics were developed in southern Australia for use in pastures and in
ley farming systems in conjunction with cereal crops. Since the 1970s,
this practice has also been advocated in the Mediterranean and Western
Asian regions of the Old World and, as a result, significant quantities
of Australian medic seed has been exported to these regions. Most Australian
medic cultivars have been developed from naturalised introductions or by
screening accessions from overseas, and all have been developed in the
Mediterranean type environment of southern Australia. In export destinations,
except for certain areas, the lowest extremes of winter temperatures are
generally lower than in southern Australia. In these areas having colder
winters Australian cultivars often failed because they were killed or severely
damaged by frost. Consequently, in the early 1980s the export of Australia
cultivators contracted as customers found that they were poorly adapted
to frost-prone areas. The redevelopment of the export industry therefore
required the identification of genotypes of annual medics which were adapted
to the frost regimes which would be expected in target areas, and which
also would have seed yielding capability so that they could be produced
economically for export. |
| Research |
In
Australia sites were established at Mallala and Yongala in SA, to determine
levels of seed production and the grazing tolerance of the various cultivators
and lines selected for evaluation. Mallala is a centre for medic seed production,
and Yongala is a potential centre but is sometimes subject to severe frosts.
From 1991 to 1993 various
lines and check cultivators were also evaluated at La Fage in southern
France, and at Tulake in northern California, USA. Attempts to evaluate
material in north Africa were frustrated by drought (morocco), and civil
unrest (muslim fundamentalism in Algeria). |
| Outcomes |
As
a result of testing both in Australia and overseas, a short list of thirteen
genotypes from five species of Medicago have been chosen for further
commercial assessment by the commercial partner, Seedco. Three of the species
have not previously been advanced for commercial consideration in Australia. |
| Implications |
There
is strong commercial interest in this project from around the world. It
is difficult to predict what the demand for seed will be, but a realistic
estimate is 1000 tonnes per annum for markets not currently supplied with
Australian cultivators.
One of the strong features
of this project has been the close involvement of the commercial partner,
Seedco who bring considerable experience in developing export markets. |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) – Export and Import Replacement Opportunities
| 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 |
| 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 rate 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. |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) – Export and Import Replacement Opportunities
| Project
Title |
Development
of Four Fodder Legume Seed Species for Export |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
SED-3A |
| Researcher: |
Dr
Ross W Downes |
| Organisation: |
SEEDCO |
| Phone: |
(08)
8234 9333 |
| Fax: |
(08)
8234 6133 |
| Objectives |
·
To develop suitable varieties of fodder legumes so that seed can be produced
in Australia for export as sowing-seed. |
| Background |
In
this program, varieties of species important in Europe have been modified
so that high yields of quality seed can be produced by Australian seed-growers
with minimal use of chemical sprays. The disease-resistant varieties that
have been developed can also be used by Australian farmers interested in
exporting quality hay to Asian markets. |
| Research |
The
four species of fodder crops are: Trifolium alexandrinum (berseem
clover), T. resupinatum (Persian clover), Vicia villosa (woolly-pod
vetch) and V .sativa (common vetch). The research approach varied
with species, but involved hybridisation, various forms of selection and
progeny testing, and evaluation. Much of the research was conducted on
commercial seed farms to ensure that the varieties produced are well adapted
to the seed-growing environment. |
| Outcomes |
For
Persian clover, two varieties, ‘Laser’ and ‘Leeton’, from this program
are in commercial production. They have high yields of seed and are rust-resistant
so that fungicides are not required. For the other three species, seeds
have been sown for increase so that varieties will be released for commercial
use in 1995 and 1996. |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) – Export and Import Replacement Opportunities
| 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 |
| 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. |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) – Export and Import Replacement Opportunities
| Project
Title |
Development
of alternative pasture legumes for use in medium rainfall agricultural
regions with untapped subsurface water, and to enhance product range in
the seed and rhizobial inoculant export markets |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
DAW-50A |
| Researcher: |
Dr.
S.J. Carr |
| Organisation: |
Agriculture
WA/CLIMA |
| Phone: |
(08)
9368 3870 |
| Fax: |
(08)
9367 2625 |
| Objectives |
· To develop new
deep-rooted herbaceous legume species and their root nodule bacteria adapted
to the sandy and duplex soils common in medium rainfall regions of southern
Australia. These species will exploit excess subsurface moisture and thereby
reduce waterlogging and secondary salinity. They will increase on-farm
productivity by extending the effective growing season, and their development
will be exploited by the seed and inoculant export industries to expand
product range in Europe and North Africa.
|
| Background |
The
underlying concept was to identify species able to remain green for extended
periods during late spring/early summer when rainfall in Mediterranean
climates declines. Our assumption is that such pasture plants are able
to use a higher proportion of the incident rainfall, an important consideration
in decreasing the rate of secondary salinisation. Another selection criteria
pertained to seed production. Historically pasture species such as sub-clover
have been suction harvested in a slow, environmentally damaging and certainly
non-sustainable process. We aimed to select species with high seed yielding
capacity and that does not require suction harvesting. |
| Research |
The
research conducted was split between standard field evaluation of known
pasture plants (eg. crimson clover) used in Mediterranean regions, and
more basic research to identify new species with the attributes we considered
desirable (eg. Biserrula pelecinus). In meeting the selection criteria
we had set, we concluded the plant ideotypes we were targeting were generally
more suited to ‘cut and carry’ types rather than regenerating farming rotational
pasture species. Hence, we were not constrained by attempting to fit in
with parameters such as conventional hard seed levels. |
| Outcomes |
Three
new pasture legumes (Trifolium vesiculosum cv Cefalu; Trifolium incarnatum
cv Caprera and Biserrula pelecinus cv Casbah) and a specific rhizobial
inoculant for each cultivar were commercialised during the final stages
of this research program, and the commencement of a related fodder project
(UWA-30). Several other species with commercial prospects were also identified,
and are subject to further evaluation. |
| Implications |
The
transition of these three new pasture legumes into commerce has recently
commenced. Unlike new varieties of standard pasture species like subterranean
clover which blend immediately into current management systems, these new
products require additional support. The ultimate success in increasing
the profitability and sustainability of agriculture in Mediterranean regions
will rely heavily on appropriate developmental support from government,
seed industry representatives and private agronomists. |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) - Availability of Technical and Economic Information
| Project
Title |
Practical
guidelines for sub clover seed production in south eastern Australia |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
DAV-169A |
| Researcher: |
Angela
Avery |
| Organisation: |
Agriculture
Victoria Rutherglen |
| Phone: |
02
60 304 500 |
| Fax: |
02
60 304 600 |
| Email: |
angela.avery@nre.vic.gov.au |
| Objectives |
·1 To increase the
profitability, sustainability and the market profile of the subclover seed
production industry (including the RIRDC Pasture Seed Program) through
the development and publication of production based guidelines.
|
| Background |
Trifolium
subterraneum (subclover) is an important legume for farming systems in
South Eastern Australia. The subclover seed industry is small when compared
to other agricultural industries but is of great importance to Australian
agriculture as it supplies affordable, high quality legume seed to many
grazing and cropping enterprises. Economic viability and long-term sustainability
are major challenges for this industry, with industry analysis revealing
increased production costs, declining seed yield and a fall in the number
of growers. The continued ability of Australia to produce quality seed
at an acceptable price for both the domestic and export markets is critical.
Guidelines and benchmarks to support decisions relating to subclover seed
production will increase the competitiveness and economic and environmental
sustainability of the industry. Before this project there were no guidelines
available for the production of subclover for seed production. |
| Research |
Guidelines
based upon information from past and current research, seed certification
officers and case studies of leading farmers/enterprises have been developed.
Scientists, farmers and industry for accuracy, relevance and practicality
reviewed these guidelines before being published. The guidelines detail
critical areas for the production of quality seed, for example soil phosphorus
levels, weed densities and disease and grazing sequences to optimise seed
production. |
| Outcomes/
Implications |
The
guidelines provide useful information, however in some areas available
data and knowledge restricted the detail and further refinement of guidelines.
Clearly continued research and development is required to continue to improve
efficiency and sustainability of subclover seed production. There is a
need to work with subclover seed grower groups on-farm and in-crop to establish
benchmarks and useful monitoring programs. While the publication is targeted
to subclover growers much of the information will be relevant to all growers
of subclover pastures. Improved contribution of subclover to the grazing
and cropping industry is likely to build further confidence in this species. |
| Publications |
The
final product of this project was the publication "Practical guidelines
for subclover seed production in south-eastern Australia", RIRDC publication
No R01/159 |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) - Availability of Technical and Economic Information
| Project
Title |
A
model for expansion of the Australian domestic temperate pasture seed market |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
DAV-106A |
| Researcher: |
Mr
Peter Schroder |
| Organisation: |
Rural
Consulting |
| Phone: |
(03)
5572 3825 |
| Fax: |
(03)
5572 3828 |
| Email: |
pandjschroder@bigpond.com |
| Objectives |
To
develop a promotional model that will double the demand for pasture seed
in temperature Australia where grazing is the main enterprise. |
| Background |
Australia
produces about 28,000 tonnes of pasture seed annually with an estimated
value of $67 million. Certified temperate pasture seed production statistics
from 1980 – 81 to 1992 – 93 show a stagnant market situation. A National
Seed Industry Workshop held in Canberra in 1990, which was funded by RIRDC,
identified improving market penetration as one of six priority areas. The
future viability of the pasture seed industry depends on action being taken
on this. ‘Growing’ the domestic pasture seed market is particularly attractive
as the infrastructure is already in place. This means expansion can be
achieved quickly, at a relatively low cost and with minimal risk. The goal
will not be achieved by tinkering around with product, price, promotion
and place. |
| Research |
The
project involved five integrated steps:
1. Qualitative market research,
from which flowed a model.
2. Implementation of the
model over 2 years.
3. Evaluation of the impact
of the implementation.
4. Quantify the size and
attitudinal profile of the different market segments identified.
5. Testing, in other regions,
to verify the validity of the model.
The first 4 steps were done
in one district in south west Victoria. The fifth step involved work in
several other ares in Victoria and with one rural merchandise group. |
| Outcomes |
The
strongest impression gained from the qualitative research was graziers
lacked a detailed understanding of the system they managed and the key
drivers of its profitability. Two main groups were identified – intensive
and extensive graziers. The intensive group had a productivity orientation,
aimed to run their enterprise as a business and were comfortable working
with anyone who may be able to help them. The extensive group focussed
on reducing costs, over coming problems and relied heavily on rural merchandisers
for information. Peers influenced decisions in both groups but this was
particularly strong in the extensive group.
Over 2 years 5 groups of
intensive graziers were taken through a program by the author that challenged
them to take a managing directors view of their business and to identify
it’s key profit drivers. In this time 3 groups of intensive graziers were
taken through a program, in their paddocks, by a rural merchandiser, to
solve a problem which was of concern to them.
Evaluation of the program
found there had been a significant change in the way pastures were considered
by both groups. These changes flowed through into increased sales of pasture
related inputs. Testing parts of the model in other areas indicated it
could be applied successfully with very little modification. Discussions
with rural merchandisers added further to this belief.
The quantitative research
in the main study are found 35% of graziers fitted into the intensive group,
21% into the extensive group and would be receptive to the program and
46% were unlikely to ever become more interested in pastures no matter
what approach was taken. |
| Implications |
Change
to the consumption of pasture seed will be largely determined by the actions
taken by local service providers to the grazing industry. It is recommended
that an extension program be put in place to sell the vision flowing from
this project to these providers and ensure they have the knowledge, skills
and follow up support required to get local programs well established.
The follow up support is crucial because of the sharp change in mind set
required by all these providers. |
| Publications |
Schroder,
P M, (2001). A model for expansion of the Australian domestic temperate
pasture seed market. RIRDC Publication No: R01/132.
Schroder, P M, O’Keeffe,
M J and Marks, N L (1997). A model to double the demand for temperate pasture
seed in Australia. Wool Technology and Sheep Breeding, 45 (1) pp 81–87.
Schroder, P M and O’Keeffe,
M J. (1997). Getting more people to sow more pasture more often. 2nd
Australasia and Pacific Extension Conference, Albury November 1997. Pp
541-546. |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) - Availability of Technical and Economic Information
| Project
Title |
A
study of the costs of production of lucerne, medic and clover seeds |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
HAS-5A |
| Researcher: |
Hassall
& Associates Pty Ltd |
| Organisation: |
Hassall
& Associates Pty Ltd |
| Phone: |
(02)
9241 5655 |
| Fax: |
(02)
9241 5684 |
| Objectives |
·
To provide an overview of the industry, analyse the costs of production,
identify the role of environmental regulation and identify future research
priorities for the industry. |
| Background |
The
production of temperate pasture seeds in Australia is diverse. In addition,
the pasture seed industry within Australia has also been subject to significant
changes in recent years. Detailed information is not available on the costs
of production, assembly and distribution. This information is essential
for providing some benchmarks to allow individual growers to gauge their
performance and also to guide future directions for research and development
(R&D). |
| Research |
This
report was developed from available literature, the views of industry representatives
and the results of a survey of forty pasture seed producers across Australia.
Costs of production were analysed by species, State and by production method
(irrigation vs dryland). |
| Outcomes |
a) Profile: The
annual value of production for temperate legume pasture seeds in 1999 was
estimated to be $28 million. Production is highest in SA, then Victoria,
NSW and WA. There are about 640 certified producers in these four States.
b) Annual costs of production:
ranged from $386/ha (medics) to $661/ha (lucerne). Costs were lowest in
WA. Key cost components were irrigation (where relevant), growing and harvesting
costs.
c) Environmental Regulation:
none specific to pasture seed producers. Priority environmental issues
included: minimising soil damage from harvesting, developing integrated
management models, minimising inputs of pesticides and improving water
use efficiencies.
d) Priorities for future
research: improving efficiency and effectiveness of chemicals, improving
harvest technology, decreasing seed testing and certification costs, and
researching new marketing opportunities for products.
|
| Implications |
This
project provides a basis for future R&D as well as providing data that
can be used by producers in benchmarking their costs of production. |
| Publications |
Hassall
& Associates (1999) A study of the costs of production of lucerne,
medic and clover seed in Australia, RIRDC Publication No R01/022. |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) - Availability of Technical and Economic Information
| Project
Title |
Pasture
establishment and management publication |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
KDI-7A |
| Researcher: |
Mark
Casey |
| Organisation: |
Kondinin
Group |
| Phone: |
(08)
9478 3343 |
| Fax: |
(08)
9478 3353 |
| Objectives |
To
survey farmers on their current pasture practises
· To collate information
on innovative methods of pasture establishment, renovation and management
· To publish a 300-400
page manual on the topic |
| Background |
Pastures
are an integral part of Australian farming, and considerable research in
directed at solving various pasture problems. New establishment and management
strategies are being adopted by farmers, but much of the information resulting
from pasture research does not effectively reach the farmer.
Surveys have shown that younger
farmers particularly, do not have the knowledge on pasture issues that
their fathers had. This has lead to a general failure to maintain soil
fertility levels under pastures, and to inadequate control of pests and
diseases; a failure to replace pastures which have degenerated; and, a
failure to adopt sustainable grazing practices.
The publication resulting
material (case studies on successful practices etc) was produced as a pasture
manual. |
| Research |
Following
surveys of farmer practices in relation to pasture establishment and management,
topics were identified on which contributions could be made by pasture
experts in the various fields being considered. The resulting material,
(case studies on successful practices etc) was produced as a pasture manual. |
| Outcomes |
This
project has resulted in a high quality book of some 435 pages, which has
been well accepted by the farming community. |
| Implications |
This
book provides, in easily accessible format, all the information which is
needed for farmers to establish and maintain pastures in all the temperate
regions of Australia. Its use should result in more profitable animal production,
and the improvement of crop yields (particularly of grain crops). The information
provided should allow the better establishment and management of a wide
range of pasture types, and should arrest the decline in general knowledge
of pastures which is currently so clearly lacking in younger farmers. |
Completed Projects (prior
to 2005-2006) - Availability of Technical and Economic Information
| Project
Title |
Lucerne
seed check: a management support system approach to improving lucerne seed
profitability |
| RIRDC
Project No: |
DAN-75A |
| Researcher: |
R
B Walker |
| Organisation: |
NSW
Agriculture |
| Phone: |
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