Point-of-sale evaluation of preinoculated and custom-inoculated pasture legume seed

2005 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 161 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. G. Gemell ◽  
E. J. Hartley ◽  
D. F. Herridge
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Pass Rates ◽  
Legume Seed ◽  
Point Of Sale ◽  
Annual Medics ◽  
Assess Quality ◽  
Pasture Legume

During 1999–2003, 293 samples of preinoculated and custom-inoculated lucerne, subterranean clover, white clover, red clover and miscellaneous species (mainly other clovers) were sourced from commercial outlets and assessed for numbers of rhizobia, seed pellet pH and toxicity, and nodulation in a ‘grow-out’ test. Average rhizobial counts were 8400/seed for preinoculated lucerne, 1380/seed for subterranean clover and <100/seed for white and red clovers and for the miscellaneous species. These counts compared poorly with the average counts of 35 100/seed, 13 800/seed and 10 000/seed for freshly-inoculated lucerne, subterranean clover and white clover, respectively. Thus, overall pass rates of the preinoculated seed were reasonable for lucerne (73%), marginal for subterranean clover (32%) and very low for white clover (3%), red clover (4%) and the miscellaneous species (0%). The ‘grow-out’ tests for nodulation were positively correlated with rhizobial numbers on seed, confirming the use of plate counting of rhizobia to assess quality of pre- and custom-inoculated seed. Many of the seed pellets were toxic to the 2 clover rhizobial strains tested, although the toxicity did not affect numbers of rhizobia on the seed. In light of these results and other data on rhizobial survival on seed, we suggest the current Australian standards for rhizobial numbers on pasture legume seed at the time of sale of 500/seed (very small-seeded legumes with seed numbers >750 000/kg) and 1000/seed (other larger-seeded species, seed numbers <750 000/kg) remain in place. We recommend shelf lives be restricted to 6 months for preinoculated lucerne and the annual medics, to 6 weeks for preinoculated subterranean clover, and to 2 weeks for white clover, red clover and other miscellaneous species. In the long-term, new products and procedures will hopefully enhance the numbers and survival of rhizobia on seed such that the needs of both manufacturers and customers are satisfied.

Variability of in vitro ruminal fermentation and methanogenic potential in the pasture legume biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus L.)

2013 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bidhyut Kumar Banik ◽  
Zoey Durmic ◽  
William Erskine ◽  
Phillip Nichols ◽  
Kioumars Ghamkhar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Core Collection ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Germplasm Collection ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Rumen Microbes ◽  
Pasture Legumes ◽  
Pasture Legume

Biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus L.) is an important annual pasture legume for the wheatbelt of southern Australia and has been found to have lower levels of methane output than other pasture legumes when fermented by rumen microbes. Thirty accessions of the biserrula core germplasm collection were grown in the glasshouse to examine intra-specific variability in in vitro rumen fermentation, including methane output. One biserrula cultivar (Casbah) was also grown at two field locations to confirm that low methanogenic potential was present in field-grown samples. All of the biserrula accessions had significantly reduced methane [range 0.5–8.4 mL/g dry matter (DM)] output compared with subterranean clover (28.4 mL/g DM) and red clover (36.1 mL/g DM). There was also significant variation in fermentability profiles (except for volatile fatty acids) among accessions of the core collection. Methanogenic potential exhibited 86% broad-sense heritability within the biserrula core collection. The anti-methanogenic and gas-suppressing effect of biserrula was also confirmed in samples grown in the field. In conclusion, biserrula showed variability in in vitro fermentation traits including reduced methane production compared with controls. This bioactivity of biserrula also persists in the field, indicating scope for further selection of biserrula as an elite methane-mitigating pasture.

Effects of pH and aluminium on the growth of temperate pasture species. II. Growth and nodulation of legumes

1991 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 893 ◽  
Author(s):  
DC Edmeades ◽  
FPC Blamey ◽  
CJ Asher ◽  
DG Edwards
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Trifolium Pratense ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Lotus Corniculatus ◽  
Culture Solution ◽  
Solution Ph ◽  
Lotus Pedunculatus

Ten temperate pasture legumes inoculated with appropriate rhizobia were grown for 31 days in flowing solution culture. Solution ionic strength was approximately 2700 8M and contained inorganic nitrogen (150 , 8M NO3-) only at the commencement of the experiment. Solution pH was maintained at 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0. Also, five aluminium (Al) treatments were imposed, with nominal Al concentrations of 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 8M (2.5, 7.1, 8.3, 11.2 and 24.7 8M Al measured) at pH 4.5. Solution pH <6 . 0 markedly reduced total dry mass (TDM) in all cultivars of white clover (Trifolium repens) cvv. 'Grasslands Pitau, Huia, G18 and Tahora' and red clover (Trifolium pratense) cvv. 'Grassland Turoa and Pawera', and to a lesser extent in the two subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) cvv. 'Tallarook and Woogenellup'. In contrast, solution pH had no effect on the growth of Lotus corniculatus cv. Maitland, while Lotus pedunculatus cv. Maku grew best at pH 4.5. Lotus pedunculatus cv. Maku grew best in solution where the sum of the activities of the monomeric Al species {Alm} was maintained at 5.9 8M. The growth of all other species was decreased with Al in solution, a 50% reduction in TDM being associated with c. 6 8M {Alm] for white clover and subterranean clover, and c. 3 8M in red clover and Lotus corniculatus cv. Maitland.

Virus diseases of annual pasture legumes: incidences, losses, epidemiology, and management

2012 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger A. C. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
Virus Diseases ◽  
Pasture Legumes ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
Annual Medics ◽  
Grazed Swards ◽  
Pasture Legume

This paper reviews current knowledge concerning the occurrence, losses caused, epidemiology, and management of virus diseases of annual pasture legumes. The viruses commonly present are spread by contact, or aphid vectors either non-persistently or persistently. Whether they are seed-borne and their means of transmission are critical factors determining their incidences within pastures in climatic zones with dry summers or substantial summer rainfall. Large-scale national or state surveys of subterranean clover pastures revealed that some viruses reach high infection incidences. Contamination with seed-borne viruses was widespread in plots belonging to annual pasture legume improvement programs and seed stocks of subterranean clover, annual medics, and alternative annual pasture legumes, and in commercial annual medic seed stocks. Yield loss studies with grazed swards were completed for three common viruses: two in subterranean clover and one in annual medics. These studies demonstrated considerable virus-induced losses in herbage and seed yields, and established that virus infection causes deteriorated pastures with high weed contents even when foliar symptoms are mild. Comprehensive integrated disease management tactics involving phytosanitary, cultural, chemical, or host resistance measures were devised for these three viruses in infected pastures, and for seed-borne viruses in annual pasture legume improvement programs. Several other viruses are potentially important, but, with these, quantification of losses caused in grazed swards is lacking and information on incidences in pastures is currently insufficient. Critical research and development gaps that need addressing are identified.

Establishment studies VI. The effect of method of establishment on long-term leys in the first harvest

1963 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-17
Author(s):  
A. H. Charles
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Weed Growth ◽  
Harvest Year

1. The method of establishment markedly affected the yield of red clover in the first harvest year, the highest yield being obtained when a cover crop was used, in the absence of which red clover yield was reduced by frequent grazing during establishment. White clover made little growth in the first harvest year; the yield was best without a cover crop under frequent grazing during establishment.2. Nitrogen applied in the seed bed did not affect the growth of red clover in the first harvest year, but depressed the white clover under infrequent defoliation without a cover crop. There was no significant effect under the other management.3. The total yield of red and white clovers was lower, when sown with the rapidly establishing ryegrass or ryegrass-dominant general-purpose mixtures, than with cocksfoot or timothy mixtures. Weed growth, although not prominent, was far greater in the timothy and cocksfoot swards than in those based on ryegrass.4. A close parallel existed between the growth of red clover and the dry matter and yield of crude protein. The highest figures were recorded when management during establishment had favoured the growth of the red clover.5. Nitrogen applied in the seed bed reduced the percentage of crude protein in all mixtures in the spring and autumn grazings, and in the hay crop of the first harvest year. Management which encouraged the growth of red clover increased the crude protein percentage of herbage in the spring and autumn, but depressed it in the aftermath cut.6. A number of interactions occurred when the relative yields of dry matter and crude protein of mixtures in the first harvest year were modified by treatments applied during establishment. There are significant indications that the method of establishment is a factor to be considered in evaluating various mixtures.

Effects of pasture type on the growth and wool production of weaner sheep during summer and autumn

1984 ◽  
Vol 24 (126) ◽  
pp. 322 ◽  
Author(s):  
PT Kenny ◽  
KFM Reed
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Sheep Grazing ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fibre ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Feeding Value ◽  
Persian Clover

The productivity of weaner sheep grazing lucerne, white clover, red clover or Persian clover and pastures sown with subterranean clover and perennial ryegrass, cocksfoot or tall fescue, was measured in summer-autumn trials incorporating four soil types in each of three years. During summer and autumn, the mean growth rate of sheep grazing lucerne, white clover or Persian clover pastures was 50 g/d compared with 1 g/d for sheep grazing perennial grass-subterranean clover pastures. Sheep grazing strawberry clover on reclaimed swampland, and sheep in a feedlot (fed hay and lupin grain) averaged 100 and 75 g/d, respectively. Sheep grazing red clover averaged 45 g/d over years 1 and 2. In year 2, a subterranean clover-dominant pasture was included in the study. Its feeding value was similar to that of the perennial grass-subterranean clover pastures. Sheep grazing legume pastures, and sheep in the feedlot, consistently produced more wool (up to 700 g/head) than sheep grazing the perennial grass-subterranean clover pastures. The concentration of neutral detergent fibre in herbage from legume pastures was frequently lower (P< 0.05) and the concentration of crude protein was frequently higher (P< 0.05) than in herbage from grass pastures. The dry matter digestibility of legume herbage was higher (P<0. 05) than that of grass herbage on only one occasion. Measurements of crude protein and neutral detergent fibre of pasture in December accounted for 67% of the variation in liveweight gain (P<0.01). Ewe weaners grazing red clover pasture exhibited an increase (P< 0.05) in teat length of 3.9 mm in 21d of grazing. Oestrous activity of ewe weaners was related to liveweight gain (r = 0.77). The implications of the results for agricultural systems are discussed.

Comparative effects of summer and winter conditions on the growth of six species of pasture legumes subjected to various nutrient levels

1961 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 797 ◽  
Author(s):  
CR Millikan
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Solution ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Magnesium Deficiency ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Magnesium Level ◽  
Barrel Medic ◽  
Winter Conditions ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Complete Nutrient Solution

The results of a series of water culture experiments is reported in which the comparative effects of summer or winter conditions respectively on the growth of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L. var. Dwalganup), red clover (T. pratense L. certified), white clover (T. repens L. 'mother strain' certified), cluster clover (T. glomeratum L.), suckling clover (T. dubium Sibth.), and barrel medio (Medicago tribuloides Desr. strain 173), in a complete nutrient solution and in solutions deficient in either potassium, phosphorus, or magnesium were studied. In the complete nutrient solution, the mean daily increment in dry weight (T+R) for each species was less in winter than in summer. Rates of growth (T+R) of red clover, white clover, cluster clover, and suckling clover were each reduced more by winter as compared with summer conditions than was that of barrel medic, while a similar comparison also showed that white clover and suckling clover were more affected than subterranean clover. For subterranean clover and barrel medic (T+R) differed little as between the summer and winter tests respectively, but (T+R) for red clover, white clover, cluster clover, and suckling clover was significantly depressed under winter conditions. Significant season X species interactions occurred. Differences in seasonal conditions had no effect on the percentage top of five of the species when grown in the complete nutrient solution, but in the sixth species (barrel medic) winter conditions when compared with summer conditions favoured top growth at the expense of root growth (i.e. increased percentage top). Within any species there was no significant seasonal effect on the depression in (T+R) caused by a deficiency of either potassium, phosphorus, or magnesium. Between species certain significant effects were unrelated to seasonal conditions for potassium or phosphorus deficiencies, but with magnesium deficiency significant species x season interactions occurred for (T+R). Within species, the mean effect of potassium deficiency in reducing percentage top in all tests was significant for white clover, barrel medic, and suckling clover, but the season x potassium level interaction was significant for cluster clover only. There were no significant differences between species. Phosphorus deficiency caused a significant reduction in percentage top within all species under both summer and winter conditions, but no significant season x phosphate level interaction occurred. The percentage top of white clover was reduced more than that of subterranean clover in summer, but not in winter. Magnesium deficiency produced a significant reduction in the percentage top of white clover and barrel medic in winter, but not in summer. The season x magnesium level interaction effect was significant for white clover. Several significant species x magnesium level interactions for percentage top were also recorded.

Small broomrape (Orobanche minor) germination and early development in response to plant species

Weed Science ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 260-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle C. Ross ◽  
Jed B. Colquhoun ◽  
Carol A. Mallory-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Pacific Northwest ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Common Vetch ◽  
Crimson Clover ◽  
The Pacific

Small broomrape, a holoparasitic weed, was recently introduced to the Pacific Northwest and contaminates a limited number of red clover fields in Oregon. Greenhouse and field studies were conducted to evaluate small broomrape response to common crop and weed species in the Pacific Northwest, and to evaluate a quick-screening method for plant species response to the parasite. In greenhouse studies, plants were grown in a hydroponic polyethylene bag system to allow for continuous visibility of their roots and monitoring of small broomrape seed germination and tubercle development. Results of the greenhouse study were validated in a field contaminated with small broomrape. In the greenhouse polyethylene bag study, small broomrape germinated and tubercles developed on alfalfa, arrowleaf clover, carrot, celery, crimson clover, lettuce, prickly lettuce, red clover, spotted catsear, subterranean clover, white clover, and wild carrot. Small broomrape germinated but did not develop tubercles when grown with barley, birdsfoot trefoil, common vetch, creeping bentgrass, cucumber, field corn, red fescue, flax, Italian ryegrass, nasturtium, oats, orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass, snap bean, sugar pea, sunflower, sweet corn, tall fescue, tomato, and wheat. In the field study, tubercles developed on alfalfa, arrowleaf clover, common vetch, crimson clover, red clover, subterranean clover, and white clover, but small broomrape flower stalks did not emerge in arrowleaf clover or crimson clover. Common vetch was a host for small broomrape in the field study but not in the hydroponic polyethylene bag system, thus, caution is warranted in using the quick screening method to elucidate potential small broomrape host species.

Temperate pasture legumes in Australia—their history, current use, and future prospects

2012 ◽  
Vol 63 (9) ◽  
pp. 691 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. G. H. Nichols ◽  
C. K. Revell ◽  
A. W. Humphries ◽  
J. H. Howie ◽  
E. J. Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Soil Acidity ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Annual Legumes ◽  
Pasture Legumes ◽  
Perennial Legume ◽  
Perennial Legumes ◽  
Pasture Legume

Australian farmers and scientists have embraced the use of new pasture legume species more than those in any other country, with 36 annual and 11 perennial legumes having cultivars registered for use. Lucerne (Medicago sativa), white clover (Trifolium repens), and red clover (T. pratense) were introduced by the early European settlers and are still important species in Australia, but several other species, notably annual legumes, have been developed specifically for Australian environments, leading to the evolution of unique farming systems. Subterranean clover (T. subterraneum) and annual medics (Medicago spp.) have been the most successful species, while a suite of new annual legumes, including serradellas (Ornithopus compressus and O. sativus), biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus) and other Trifolium and Medicago species, has expanded the range of legume options. Strawberry clover (T. fragiferum) was the first non-traditional, perennial legume commercialised in Australia. Other new perennial legumes have recently been developed to overcome the soil acidity and waterlogging productivity constraints of lucerne and white clover and to reduce groundwater recharge and the spread of dryland salinity. These include birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Talish clover (T. tumens), and hairy canary clover (Dorycnium hirsutum). Stoloniferous red clover cultivars and sulla (Hedysarum coronarium) cultivars adapted to southern Australia have also been released, along with a new cultivar of Caucasian clover (T. ambiguum) aimed at overcoming seed production issues of cultivars released in the 1970s. New species under development include the annual legume messina (Melilotus siculus) and the perennial legume narrowleaf lotus (L. tenuis) for saline, waterlogged soils, and the drought-tolerant perennial legume tedera (Bituminaria bituminosa var. albomarginata). Traits required in future pasture legumes include greater resilience to declining rainfall and more variable seasons, higher tolerance of soil acidity, higher phosphorous utilisation efficiency, lower potential to produce methane emissions in grazing ruminants, better integration into weed management strategies on mixed farms, and resistance to new pest and disease threats. Future opportunities include supplying new fodder markets and potential pharmaceutical and health uses for humans and livestock. New species could be considered in the future to overcome constraints of existing species, but their commercial success will depend upon perceived need, size of the seed market, ease of establishment, and management and safety of grazing animals and the environment. Molecular biology has a range of potential applications in pasture legume breeding, including marker-assisted and genomics-assisted selection and the identification of quantitative trait loci and candidate genes for important traits. Genetically modified pasture plants are unlikely to be commercialised until public concerns are allayed. Private seed companies are likely to play an increasingly important role in pasture legume development, particularly of mainstream species, but the higher risk and more innovative breakthroughs are likely to come from the public sector, provided the skills base for plant breeding and associated disciplines is maintained.

scholarly journals TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON THE GERMINATION OF HERBAGE LEGUMES IN NEW ZEALAND

1987 ◽  
pp. 177-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.G. Hampton ◽  
J.F.L. Charlton ◽  
D.D. Bell ◽  
D.J. Scott
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Temperature Effects ◽  
Germination Rate ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Legume Species ◽  
Percentage Germination ◽  
Fluctuating Temperature

Percentage germination and germination rate (days to 75% germination) of 14 herbage cultivars from 5 legume species were assessed at constant temperatures of 5°, 10°, 15°, 20° and a fluctuating temperature of 5/1O°C. The percentage germination of white clover, red clover and lucerne was not affected by temperature. Germination of Woogenellup subterranean clover was reduced at 5"C, the germination of Mt Barker subterranean clover was reduced at 2O°C, and the germination of Maku lotus was reduced at 5°C and 5/10°C. Germination rates for all species slowed as temperatures moved away from the optimum, as did the number of days to the start of growth. The species order for germination rate was lucerne, white clover >subterranean clover > red clover >lotus at 10° and 5/1O°C, and subterranean clover (except cv. Woogenellup), white clover, lucerne>red clover>lotus at 5°C. Germination rates differed between subterranean clover cultivars, and also between individual seedlots of subterranean clover, red and white clover and lotus, particularly at 5°C. The implications of these results for pasture establishment are discussed. Keywords: germination rate, pasture establishment

The productivity of irrigated legumes in northern Victoria. 2. Effect of grazing management

2005 ◽  
Vol 45 (12) ◽  
pp. 1577 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. B. Kelly ◽  
C .R. Stockdale ◽  
W. K. Mason
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Carbon Balance ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Net Photosynthesis ◽  
First Year ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Persian Clover

The productivity of irrigated white (Trifolium repens L.) and red (Trifolium pratense L.) clover swards was compared in an experiment of more than 3 years duration. It was hypothesised that white clover would be more productive than red clover when defoliation was frequent and intense, and less productive when defoliation was infrequent and lax. The experiment was a factorial design involving 2 species of clover [white clover (cv. Haifa) and red clover (cv. Redquin)], 2 grazing frequencies and 2 grazing intensities (with the criteria for both being based on quantities of herbage present before/after grazing). There were 4 extra treatments sown: perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cv. Grasslands Nui) and white clover (cv. Haifa), lucerne (Medicago sativa L. cv. Validor), Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L. cv. Maral) or subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L. cv. Trikkala), but only 1 defoliation treatment was used for each of these treatemnts. There were 4 replicated blocks of all treatments. Apparent growth rates [calculated from measurements of dry matter (DM) removed by grazing] of white clover ranged from a low of 10 kg DM/ha.day in winter to a high of 70 kg DM/ha.day in summer. The growth rates of white clover swards were superior to those of ryegrass and white clover swards over summer, but were generally lower from May to October. In 2 of the 4 years, frequent grazing of white clover resulted in greater (P<0.05) production than infrequent grazing (average of 12.8 v. 10.7 t DM/ha) whereas intensity of grazing only affected DM net accumulation in the first year (P<0.05). The data show no evidence of a decline in productivity over time. Sward structure of white clover was influenced by grazing treatment with the numerically highest yielding treatment (frequent and hard) having the highest density of stolon tips (vegetative buds). In relation to days of regrowth, the frequently grazed treatment had higher levels of net photosynthesis in spring and summer compared with the infrequently grazed treatment. The frequently grazed treatment achieved positive carbon balance immediately after grazing and reached maximum levels of photosynthesis at 8–10 days, whereas the infrequent treatment showed negative carbon balance for the first 2–3 days after grazing with maximum photosynthesis being achieved later than in the frequently grazed treatment. When net photosynthesis was related to leaf area, there were fewer differences between the 2 treatments. The exception was in spring when photosynthesis was lowest where the initial leaf area was highest in the infrequent and hard treatment. Maximum photosynthesis was achieved at diminishing leaf area index from spring through to winter. Red clover was the most productive legume in the first year after establishment, but it did not persist beyond the second year and its DM net accumulation was reduced by more frequent grazing (12.4 v. 15.3 t DM/ha in the first year and 6.1 v. 9.1 t DM/ha in the second year; P<0.05). The DM net accumulation of lucerne was greater than that in any other treatment (an average of 16.7 t DM/ha in the 2 completed years), whereas the annual legumes, subterranean clover and Persian clover, averaged 6.6 and 10.7 t DM/ha.year, respectively. The seasonal growth rate data showed that lucerne had very good summer production whereas the annuals tended to be at least as good as the perennials from May to October.

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