Project Title

On farm evaluation of the adaptation, distribution and potential value of lucerne in Western Australia

Objective

Lucerne has the potential to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability in Western Australia through filling the summer-autumn feed gap, improving the legume component of pastures, lowering water tables and controlling dryland salinity. The identification and release of the improved Rhizobia strain (WSM826) through RIRDC project DAW-36A will increase the area sown from 8000 ha’s (ABS, 1994) to at least 100,000 ha’s by 2000.

Research

The study looked at lucerne persistence and production with alternative Rhizobia strains. It compared the plant density and biomass of 7 Rhizobia strains applied to several lucerne cultivars of different growth activity ratings. The experiment was established at Pingrup in 1994. The biomass production for 1996 and remaining plant density were measured. Experiments at Katanning and Jerramungup also compared lucerne cultivar persistence and production.

Outcome

Two years after the Pingrup experiment was established there was no difference in annual pasture production irrespective of Rhizobia strain applied or cultivar sown. The highly winter active cultivar Sceptre had a higher plant density than all other cultivars. At Katanning and Jerramungup the highly winter active cultivars Sceptre and Quadrella produced more biomass over the winter than the winter dormant cultivars, Cimmarron, Prime and P581 but persistence was similar across cultivars.

Implications

The findings from the study provided information for current industry recommendations which include:

Recommendations on cultivars and inoculation are made annually through The Western Australian Lucerne Growers newsletter, Agriculture WA Farmnotes, field days and the rural media. The estimated sowing of 20,000 ha’s of lucerne in 1997 is testimony to the success of this and collaborative projects.

RIRDC Project No: DAW-60A

Researcher: Roy Latta

Organisation: Agriculture Western Australia, KATANNING WA. 6317

Contacts: Phone: (08) 9821 1755   Fax: (08) 9821 1127

Alfalfa Mosaic Virus (AMV) Survey in Lucerne and Medic Seed and Development of Rapid Tests

Objectives

Medic and lucerne pastures are important in Australian farming systems for grazing and for hay and seed production for both the domestic and export markets. Severe production losses due to seed-borne virus infection of pasture seed have been recorded worldwide, but little Australian data was available.

Research

A national survey of commonly grown medic and lucerne cultivars established that seed-borne viral pathogens were important. Sensitive, efficient and cost effective seed testing procedures were developed and optimised for the detection of virus infection in pasture seed and plants.

Outcomes

This research suggests a high level of seed-borne virus infection in Australian pasture seed, one which would result in production losses similar to those recorded in other parts of the world. A procedure for testing pasture seed and plants is now available and provides a basis from which a seed testing capability for industry can be developed. These procedures have already been adopted by the medic and lucerne breeding programs to ensure that the true assessment of non-infected material can be made and that no infected cultivars are released.

Implications

The provision of commercial seed and pasture testing based on the methodologies developed in this project will provide industry with a strategy for the control of seed-borne pathogens. Control of seed-borne viral pathogens in pasture seed will contribute to industry achieving its goal "…to become a specialist producer of high quality seed for the domestic and export markets…". Control of seed-borne viral pathogens in pasture seed will improve overall production of Australian pastures.

RIRDC Project No: DAS-32A

Researcher: Ms. Evita Alberts

Organisation: Plant Industries & Natural Resources, Department of Primary Industries and Resources (SA), GPO Box 1671, ADELAIDE SA 5001
 

Contacts: Phone: (08) 8372 2349   Fax: (08) 8379 0871    E-mail: alberts.evita@pi.sa.gov.au

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.

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 (e.g. crimson clover) used in Mediterranean regions, and more basic research to identify new species with the attributes we considered desirable (e.g. 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.

RIRDC Project No: DAW-50A

Researcher: Dr. S.J. Carr

Organisation: Agriculture WA/CLIMA, Locked Bag No. 4,  BENTLEY DELIVERY CENTRE WA 6983

Contacts: Phone: (08) 9368 3870   Fax: (08) 9367 2625

       Last updated: 27 August 1998 Copyright © RIRDC http://www.rirdc.gov.au/comp98/pasture1.htm