Searching for native perennial legumes with pasture potential

Abstract

Native Australian perennial herbaceous legumes with potential to be developed as pasture plants for the medium-low rainfall zones of the wheatbelt were collected and screened. The aim was to identify species with characteristics suited for domestication and adaptation for difficult environments, such as highly acid soils, poorly fertile soils, and areas with low rainfall or prone to drought. A literature search identified five target genera: Cullen, Swainsona, Glycine, Kennedia and Lotus. We collected around 400 accessions, primarily from these genera, from NSW, Victoria, WA, SA and the NT. Most accessions have since been seed increased and the seed is now stored at the Australian Trifolium GRC in Perth or the Australian Medicago GRC in South Australia. Root nodules were collected and > 500 root nodule bacteria were isolated, with many tested for symbiotic effectiveness on selected host plant species: selected strains were then placed in long term storage. A database is being developed that will link the information on collection sites, plant species and root nodule bacteria. Species of Cullen, especially Cullen australasicum, show most promise for domestication. Several research projects focussed on Cullen are now underway. Other genera with potential niche applications include Lotus in dry areas and Glycine as an understorey in fodder shrub systems. Further investigation of Swainsona may have merit as it contains a large number of diverse species.