New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research abstracts
Improving the adaptation of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, phalaris, and
cocksfoot for Australia
K. F. M. REED
Agriculture Victoria
Pastoral and Veterinary Institute
Private Bag 105, Hamilton
Victoria 3300, Australia
Abstract The main perennial pasture grasses sown in Australia
are perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), phalaris (Phalaris
aquatica L), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L.), and cocksfoot
(Dactylis glomerata L.). The area of adaptation, and the longevity and
yield of these species are likely to improve considerably over the next decade
as a result of the activities within the Australian Grass Improvement Program.
Recent use of summer-dormant cultivars of phalaris has proved successful and
novel summer-dormant cultivars of perennial ryegrass and tall fescue will soon
be released to commerce. Of these four naturalised species, all but tall fescue
have been commonly sown by farmers in Australia for 60-130 years. However, only
phalaris has been subjected to detailed and sustained research. Breeders have
provided a range of phalaris cultivars for early to late-season environments
with improved seedling vigour, winter growth, and reduced anti-quality factors.
They have also addressed edaphic limitations. Programmes are now in place to
improve the other species. This review outlines the aspects of that work
directed at improved adaptation to the Australian environment. A limited range
of genetic resources has entered evaluation--for all four species. For
perennial ryegrass, the collection of local ecotypes is well advanced. Breeding
is in progress for all except cocksfoot, and is coordinated within national
programmes characterised by nationwide progeny tests, and strategic support
research. Significant efforts are being taken--particularly with perennial
ryegrass--to strengthen new cultivars via selection for resistance to common
pathogens. Progress in the development of biotechnological procedures is
expected to facilitate further improvements to the adaptation of perennial
grasses to adverse climates.
Keywords cultivars; perennial grasses; pasture; Mediterranean
region; North Africa; ecotypes; drought tolerance; endophyte; winter growth;
seedling vigour; summer dormancy; acid soils; aluminium; water-logging
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1996, Vol. 39: 457-464
0028-8233/96/3904-0457 $2.50/0 (c) The Royal Society of New Zealand
1996
PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (662K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)
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