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REVIEW
Contents Vol 45(3)

A second generation of annual pasture legumes and their potential for inclusion in Mediterranean-type farming systems

A. Loi A D , J. G. Howieson A B , B. J. Nutt A and S. J. Carr C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Western Australia Department of Agriculture, 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, WA 6151, Australia.

B Centre for Rhizobium Studies, Division of Science and Engineering, Murdoch University, Murdoch Drive, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia.

C Aglime of Australia, Suite 16, 890 Canning Highway, Applecross, WA 6153, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: aloi@agric.wa.gov.au

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 45(3) 289-299 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA03134
Submitted: 26 June 2003  Accepted: 15 March 2004   Published: 14 April 2005

Abstract

A second generation of annual pasture legumes and their root-nodule bacteria has been released to agriculture in Mediterranean-type environments. These new species emanate from selection activity focussed upon ‘alternative legumes’. In 1992, in response to changing constraints upon production, a program was initiated which sought species with different ideotypic traits to the traditional annual medics and clovers used in agriculture in southern Australia. Traits sought in the new species were deeper root systems, improved persistence from higher hardseed levels, acid tolerant symbioses, tolerance to pests and diseases and ease of harvesting with conventional cereal harvesters. Several cultivars of species new to Australian agriculture such as biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus), French serradella (Ornithopus sativus), gland clover (Trifolium glanduliferum) and improved varieties of arrowleaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum) and yellow serradella (Ornithopus compressus) were developed and have had rapid adoption and impact in southern Australian ley- and phase-farming systems. This paper reviews the importance of ley farming for Australian agriculture, the shortcomings of the traditional medics and clovers and the imperatives for a second generation of annual pasture legume species to be developed. In addition to enhancing ley farming, the commercial availability of a second generation of annual pasture legume species has provided a much needed impetus for the development of more flexible and sustainable farming systems.

Additional keywords: forage legume, insect tolerance, nitrogen fixation, rhizobium.


Acknowledgments

The selection and breeding of the second generation ley legumes reported here was undertaken at CLIMA during 1992–99. Many scientists and technicians contributed to this program of development and we direct readers to the reports of the P3 subprogram in the CLIMA annual reports of 1992–1999 for further details of personnel involved. We also acknowledge the external funding to this program from Grain Research Development Corporation, Australian Wool Innovation and Agriculture WA.


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