Summary

Australian agriculture relies solely on introduced grain crops such as wheat, canola, barley, field pea and lupins. This project will conduct a preliminary study of Australia’s native herbaceous legumes for their potential as alternative pulse and oilseed grain crops. A large and diverse collection of native germplasm species has been established by the CRC for Plant-based Management of Dryland Salinity (CRC PbMDS), which provides an excellent opportunity to identify native legumes with potential for domestication and cultivation. To date, no quantitative data has been collected on desirable grain production traits in these native legumes. This study will provide basic information regarding seed yield, seed size, protein, starch and oil content, and harvestability, on a number of legume species; a vital first step for evaluating their potential value as alternative grain crops. Based on current knowledge and the literature, 20 species of native legume species will be selected from the CRC PbMDS collection and grown under glasshouse conditions. The information provided will be presented to industry and other interested parties in a workshop environment. The outcomes of the workshop and a ranking of species with most potential for further investigation and development will be presented to RIRDC as a report.

Program

New and Emerging Plant Industries

Research Organisation

University of Western Australia

Objective Summary

Assess native herbaceous legumes for their potential as alternative pulse and oilseed grain crops

To identify native legumes with potential for domestication and cultivation

Provide basic information regarding seed yield, seed size, protein, starch and oil content, and harvestability, on a number of legume species; a vital first step for evaluating their potential value as alternative grain crops

Select 20 species for trialing in glasshouse conditions

Rank species with poential