Program Overview

Strategies and Expectations

Improving seed production technologies to maximise yield, quality and processing efficiency
Promoting and facilitating industry adoption of key pasture seed R&D findings
Fostering emerging sciences/technologies
Improving communication with the industry.

Participation in the Pastures Australia initiative
Continuing participation in the Pollination Australia initiative
Development and distribution of a seed producers contract template and checklist
Agronomic support packages for raised bed Lucerne Seed Production released to industry
Development of a soft seeded Sulla to assist in lowering seed costs
Development and use of diagnostic tools for subterranean clover red leaf disease
Development of molecular tools for Boron tolerance in annual medics
Improved seed production of Lotus tenuis for a global market
Development of effective weed control for Trifolium tumens and Dorycnium hirsutum seed crops
Development of Bituminaria bituminosa var. albomarginata seed production and development of large scale and low cost technologies for harvesting and seed processing
Assessment of polymer adhesives & colourants used in preinoculated legume pasture seed
Begin the introgression of tolerance to Pratylenchus neglectus into annual medics
Begin to evaluate drop tube and sprinkler irrigation for white clover seed production
Evaluate drop tube irrigated Lucerne seed, herbage yield and plant persistence
To determine a herbicide management plan for control of Setaria in lucerne.

Seed producers contract template and checklist developed and released to industry
A herbicide management plan to control Setaria in Lucerne
Development of innovative genetic technologies to ensure commercial success of new varieties
Improved communication of Program activities and research outcomes
Proactive approaches to the management of Lucerne pollination activities and the industry's vulnerability to incursions of pests such as the varroa mite
The development of an innovative seed testing technique of international importance which has the potential to revolutionise seed certification and seed production.