Developing harvest technologies for C. australasicum

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute

  • Project code: PRJ-000003

  • Project stage: Closed

  • Project start date: Saturday, September 1, 2007

  • Project completion date: Monday, January 31, 2011

  • National Priority: NEPI-RD&E to generate benefit across several plant industries

Summary

1. Summary: To determine best practice for commercial harvest and seed processing technologies for Cullen australasicum to determine if a viable seed industry can exist for this Autralian native legume as a new pasture species.
2. Outcome: Improved pasture utilisation. Within the meat and wool industry it has been demonstrated that a 1% point increase in pasture utilisation will return $90m to the industry (MLA, 2005) and the incorporation of perennial native pastures can improve woolgrowers yields and financial performance by 25-30% (L&W, 2005). Grain growers can expect improved financial performance through rotations that use natural resources more efficiently (Ewing & Flugge, 2004).
3. Background: For any new forage species to be a commercial success there must be a capacity to cost effectively harvest seed and make seed available at a reasonable cost. A review by Bennett et al (2006) identifies the potential of Cullen species as promising options for the WA wheatbelt. Cullen australasicum is a very promising native perennial pasture legume currently being developed by SARDI and NSWDPI.
4. Method: Emphasis will be placed on determining the suitability of Cullen to be harvested cost effectively utilising conventional cereal headers. Several fully replicated and randomised experiments will be designed and implemented to identify best practice techniques for seed production of Cullen.
5. Budget: RIRDC Core – 3 years total contribution $78,040.
6. Reviewers: John Oakeshott, Roslyn Prinsley, NPP Advisory Committee, Brian Dear (external reviewer NSW DPI).

Program

New and Emerging Plant Industries

Research Organisation

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute

Objective Summary

Estalishing the suitability of Cullen to be harvested cost effectively utilising conventional cereal headers. Several fully replicated and randomised experiments will be designed and implemented to identify best practice techniques for seed production of Cullen.