Publication Date
1993
Description
Desmanthmus virgatus is a summer-growing, perennial legume comprising a wide diversity of growth forms. It is native to North and South America where it is often found on neutral to alkaline soils and in areas of low rainfall. Its potential for persistence and spread under grazing on clay soils in semi-arid environments in Queensland has been demonstrated in various experiments since 1978. Three varieties have been selected for commercial release through a state-wide coordinated programme of evaluation which began in 1987. These were selected on the basis of yield and persistence, and to exploit the range of growth habits and flowering responses in the species. Legume dry matter yields of up to 3.1 t/ha were measured in pure stands and up to 1.2 t/ha in legume-grass associations in the first year, Trlfecta iucerne (Medicago sativa) produced a maximum of 0.S t/ha in mixed sward .. Outcomes of other experiments designed to provide a more' complete understanding of the species prior to release are reported and discussed.
Citation
Cook, B G.; Graham, T.W.G; Clem, R L.; Hall, T J.; and Quirk, M F., "Evaluation and Development of Desmanthus virgatus on Medium- to Heavy Textured Soils in Queensland, Australia" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 21.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session59/21
Included in
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Evaluation and Development of Desmanthus virgatus on Medium- to Heavy Textured Soils in Queensland, Australia
Desmanthmus virgatus is a summer-growing, perennial legume comprising a wide diversity of growth forms. It is native to North and South America where it is often found on neutral to alkaline soils and in areas of low rainfall. Its potential for persistence and spread under grazing on clay soils in semi-arid environments in Queensland has been demonstrated in various experiments since 1978. Three varieties have been selected for commercial release through a state-wide coordinated programme of evaluation which began in 1987. These were selected on the basis of yield and persistence, and to exploit the range of growth habits and flowering responses in the species. Legume dry matter yields of up to 3.1 t/ha were measured in pure stands and up to 1.2 t/ha in legume-grass associations in the first year, Trlfecta iucerne (Medicago sativa) produced a maximum of 0.S t/ha in mixed sward .. Outcomes of other experiments designed to provide a more' complete understanding of the species prior to release are reported and discussed.
