Description
In Australia, the development of native perennial seed crops is an area of increasing interest. Reasons for this include the production of high-value seed, the significance of native plants to Aboriginal people and the importance of diversified cropping in building more resilient farming systems. One species of interest is Themeda triandra, a C4 perennial tussock grass that dominated grasslands and woodlands across Australia prior to European invasion. Djaara, the traditional owner group representing the Dja Dja Wurrung people of Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung country in central Victoria), is one group who seek to return T. triandra to the landscape as a seed-producing crop. This is due to the species holding for them significant cultural and social value, along with envisioned future economic opportunities. As such, this review is targeted towards temperate grasslands of south-eastern Australia where Djandak is located. This review summarises the agronomic possibilities and constraints relating to production of a T. triandra as a seed crop via an understanding of the genetic, environmental and management factors that influence the growth, development, and seed yield of this species. Future research and development needs are also identified.
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Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Themeda triandra as a Perennial Seed Crop in South-Eastern Australia: What are the Agronomic Possibilities and Constraints, and Future Research Needs?
In Australia, the development of native perennial seed crops is an area of increasing interest. Reasons for this include the production of high-value seed, the significance of native plants to Aboriginal people and the importance of diversified cropping in building more resilient farming systems. One species of interest is Themeda triandra, a C4 perennial tussock grass that dominated grasslands and woodlands across Australia prior to European invasion. Djaara, the traditional owner group representing the Dja Dja Wurrung people of Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung country in central Victoria), is one group who seek to return T. triandra to the landscape as a seed-producing crop. This is due to the species holding for them significant cultural and social value, along with envisioned future economic opportunities. As such, this review is targeted towards temperate grasslands of south-eastern Australia where Djandak is located. This review summarises the agronomic possibilities and constraints relating to production of a T. triandra as a seed crop via an understanding of the genetic, environmental and management factors that influence the growth, development, and seed yield of this species. Future research and development needs are also identified.
