Description
The mediterranean area is the centre of diversity for many of the legume species of agricultural importance and their wild relatives. Ecogeographical assessments are a method of determining the areas within the mediterranean that are homologous with a particular area within southern Australia. Using Geographical Information Systems the distribution of legume species are mapped and related to other climatic and edaphic factors. Using this data it is possible to show which areas of the mediterranean have been well collected and where the edaphic requirements of a species can be found and therefore where to collect it. The detail of an ecogeographic assessment allows factors such as site habitat, water drainage, altitude, aspect and pH to be included, as well as soil type and climate, and in particular, rainfall. Two examples are given; a herbarium based study on perennial medics (Medicago) and a seed collection in Crete for pasture, forage and grain legumes.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Ecogeographic Assessment of Mediterranean Environments for Targeting Legume Collections
The mediterranean area is the centre of diversity for many of the legume species of agricultural importance and their wild relatives. Ecogeographical assessments are a method of determining the areas within the mediterranean that are homologous with a particular area within southern Australia. Using Geographical Information Systems the distribution of legume species are mapped and related to other climatic and edaphic factors. Using this data it is possible to show which areas of the mediterranean have been well collected and where the edaphic requirements of a species can be found and therefore where to collect it. The detail of an ecogeographic assessment allows factors such as site habitat, water drainage, altitude, aspect and pH to be included, as well as soil type and climate, and in particular, rainfall. Two examples are given; a herbarium based study on perennial medics (Medicago) and a seed collection in Crete for pasture, forage and grain legumes.
