Old evaluation trials delivering a legacy of new persistent legume varieties

Abstract

Finding legume varieties that are persistent and productive in the long-term for the Brigalow Belt climatic zone has been challenging. Graziers advise that most of the legume cultivars that were previously released for use in the Brigalow Belt were not persistent with competitive sown Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) pastures typical in the region. The highest priority trait for new legume varieties identified by graziers is long-term persistence described as >20 to 50 years; however, research funding cycles are typically 3 to 5 years, which means that long-term persistence cannot be directly measured before legume accessions are selected for release as new cultivars. This paper describes using a network of old pasture evaluation trials sites to identify legume species, cultivars and experimental accessions that have persisted and are productive in the long-term.