Improve vetch varieties for fodder production

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

  • Project code: PRJ-000567

  • Project stage: Closed

  • Project start date: Thursday, July 1, 2004

  • Project completion date: Saturday, March 31, 2007

  • National Priority: FCR-Production of high-quality export-grade fodder

Program

Export Fodder

Research Organisation

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

Objective Summary

To provide farmers and end uses with improved vetch varieties for hay and silage. This will be achieved by introducing new Vicia species with genetic versatility. In addition present material will be retested which had been discarded from grain trials because of late maturity and/or robust plants types that are prone to develop chocolate spot around pod maturity. Varieties will be bred and selected from different V. species to meet targeted traits such as high dry matter production leaf retention disease resistance better palatability later maturity more shoots soft stems and ability to grow well in a crop mix with ryegrass or cereals.