Offered Papers Theme A: Efficient Production from Grassland
Description
The twining legume Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro was released around 1960 (Hutton 1962) and the rust resistant cultivar Aztec was released in 1994 (Bray & Woodroffe 1995). The species showed great potential for pastures in northern Australia and was planted over some 220 Kha in the 1960's and 70's. The species was high yielding and readily eaten by cattle. However, by the early 1980's the species had declined dramatically in grazed pastures. Clements (1989) showed that a major problem with Siratro was the frequency of removal of growing points. This leads to less regrowth after grazing, less seed set and hence less regenerative capacity. Accessions with greater branching characteristics may overcome this problem.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Variation Within the Species Macroptilium atropurpureum Regarding Adaptation to Grazing
The twining legume Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro was released around 1960 (Hutton 1962) and the rust resistant cultivar Aztec was released in 1994 (Bray & Woodroffe 1995). The species showed great potential for pastures in northern Australia and was planted over some 220 Kha in the 1960's and 70's. The species was high yielding and readily eaten by cattle. However, by the early 1980's the species had declined dramatically in grazed pastures. Clements (1989) showed that a major problem with Siratro was the frequency of removal of growing points. This leads to less regrowth after grazing, less seed set and hence less regenerative capacity. Accessions with greater branching characteristics may overcome this problem.
