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

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