Evaluation of native and introduced grasses for low-input pastures in temperate Australia: experimental approach, site and genotype descriptions
M. R. Norton A E , M. L. Mitchell B , E. Kobelt C and E. Hall DA NSW Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 408, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620, Australia.
B Department of Primary Industries, Research and Development Division, Rutherglen, RMB 1145, Chiltern Valley Road, Rutherglen Vic. 3685, Australia.
C South Australian Research and Development Institute – Pastures, Waite Campus, GPO Box 397, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
D Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, PO Box 46, Kings Meadows, Tas. 7249, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: mark.norton@agric.nsw.gov.au
The Rangeland Journal 27(1) 11-22 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ05002
Submitted: 1 November 2004 Accepted: 24 March 2005 Published: 14 June 2005
Abstract
This paper describes the experimental methodology, sites, seasonal conditions and germplasm used in the Australian Native and Low Input Grass Network (NLIGN). In 1998, eight sites were established across the temperate pastoral zone of southern Australia. These were located at Armidale, Binya, Sutton and Trangie in NSW; Springhurst in Victoria; Jericho in Tasmania; Flaxley in South Australie and Kendenup in Western Australia. A total of 62 lines were evaluated, of which, 29 were Australian native grasses and 33 were introduced. With differences in seed size among species and a lack of information on dormancy and germination characteristics of the native plants, seedlings were transplanted into the field on weed-mat as spaced plants. Lines were compared over a 3-year period from 1998 to 2001. Methods used for determination of forage production, persistence and palatability are described. Information detailing the original collection sites of the germplasm, a list of NLIGN sites where each genotype was evaluated, as well as a detailed description of sites and seasonal conditions is also presented.
Additional keywords: methodology, multi-site evaluation, perennial grasses.
Acknowledgments
The NLIGN was a joint collaboration between NSW Department of Primary Industries, University of New England, Department of Primary Industries Victoria, Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, South Australian Research and Development Institute and Agriculture WA, with financial support from Meat and Livestock Australia Ltd.
Special thanks go to Bev Orchard for her biometrical assistance throughout the project. We are grateful to RDB Whalley, D Garden, B Cullis, C Waters, D Friend, G Auricht, P Sanford, P Orchard, W Johnston, G Lodge, R Reid, K Flower and K Reed for their invaluable input into the development of the evaluation protocol and a range of organisations for the provision of plant germplasm.
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| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
for species in the Poaceae, except for Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners. Bromus macranthos, B. mango, Festuca idahoensis, and F. ovina are according to http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/index/nwgctB.html, and Harden (1990–93) is for other species.
