Context Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is a key dryland staple crop suffering significant yield losses under heat and drought stress. Both marginal and productive ecologies of pearl millet cultivation require distinct ideotypes for breeding, whereas strong genotype × environment interactions and multiple correlated traits complicate simultaneous selection. Aims This study aimed to identify high-performing and stable pearl millet genotypes for marginal (A1) and favorable (AB) environments by using integrated multi-trait and stability-based selection indices. Methods A global diversity panel of 242 pearl millet inbred lines (PMiGAP) was evaluated over three kharif seasons (2022–2024) at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. Nine agronomic traits were recorded and analyzed using mixed models. Genotypes were assessed using MGIDI, WAASB and WAASBY indices. Environment-specific ideotypes were defined and predicted genetic gains were estimated at 15% selection intensity. Key results Significant genotype, environment and genotype × environment effects were observed for all traits. Moderate to high heritability was recorded for flowering time and panicle length whereas yield traits showed low to moderate heritability. MGIDI identified 37 superior genotypes per environment. Predicted gains included −4.60% for days to flowering and +13.7% for panicles per plant for A1 and +13.4% for grain yield per panicle in AB environment. WAASB and WAASBY identified IP 12020, IP 8949, IP 18293-P152, PT-732B-P2, and IP 5207 as high-performing and stable. Conclusions The integrated MGIDI–WAASB–WAASBY framework enabled objective selection of superior genotypes combining multi-trait performance and stability across multi-environment. Implications The identified genotypes provide valuable material for breeding programs targeting both drought-prone and favorable environments and can accelerate genetic gain and yield stability in pearl millet.
This article belongs to the collection: Australian Grasslands Symposium 2025 “Seeds of Change”.
Context Climate change is increasing temperatures, affecting the water cycle and other climate variables. In south-eastern Australia, winter rainfall has declined, whereas summer rainfall has remained stable or increased slightly. Future projections indicate that these trends will continue, and the summer–early autumn feed gap in grazing systems dominated by temperate pasture species is predicted to increase. Tropical perennial species are responsive to summer rainfall and may be a suitable addition to grazing systems, although their potential distribution is not known. Aim Our aim was to model and compare the potential distribution of six tropical pasture species under a historic baseline climate (1981–2010) and 2050 (2035–2065) future climate scenarios (by using two contrasting global climate models; MIROC-H, CSIRO-Mk 3.0) for Australia, with a focus on south-eastern Australia. Methods Species distribution based on climatic suitability of Cenchrus clandestinus, Chloris gayana, Digitaria eriantha, Megathyrsus maximus, Panicum coloratum var. makarikariense and Desmanthus virgatus was modelled using CLIMEX. Outputs were restricted by soil pH and land-use suitability to form a combined model of species distribution. Key results On the basis of where these species are currently sown, they occupy only a proportion of their potential. The 2050 climate scenarios suggest that the potential distribution of these species will decrease in northern Australia. In south-eastern Australia, suitability will increase if temperatures rise with minimal change to rainfall (MIROC-H A2), but decrease if rainfall decreases significantly (CSIRO-Mk 3.0 A2). Conclusions Our study indicated that these species may be suitable in new areas, including south-eastern Australia under both current and future climate scenarios. Further field testing is required to confirm their persistence, productivity, interaction with soils, and position in the landscape. Suitability of these grasses could provide an additional feedbase strategy for adapting to a changing climate. Modelling is subject to limitations, owing to parameter assumptions, exclusion of some soil and management factors, and uncertainties inherent in climate projections; these can be addressed through integration of finer-scale environmental data and targeted field validation.
Context Canola (Brassica napus L.) is an important oil crop that requires high nitrogen rates, but is sensitive to ammonium (NH4+-N) toxicity. Aims To determine whether genotypes exhibit variation in NH4+-N toxicity, and whether NH4+-N toxicity may be ameliorated by mixing nitrate (NO3−-N) and NH4+-N in various ratios, or by providing NH4+-N and NO3−-N in various sequences. Methods Using glasshouse experiments, we tested the growth of two NH4+-N toxicity-sensitive genotypes [SC03-1 (codenamed G30) and Zhongshuang4B (G3)] and two NH4+-N toxicity-resistant genotypes [Tarcoola-22 (G26) and ZY001 (G16)] under five NH4+:NO3− ratios at the 1.5 vegetative stage and three NH4+:NO3− ratios at seed maturity. We then selected the most NH4+-N-resistant (ZY001) and -sensitive (SC03-1) genotypes to grow at alternating nitrogen form supplies until the 1.5 vegetative stage. Key results In general, ZY001 had the highest growth and yield, especially at 50:50 and 25:75 NH4+:NO3− ratios. NH4+-N toxicity was mitigated when NH4+-N supply was combined with relatively high concentrations of NO3−-N. When alternating NH4+-N and NO3−-N supply, canola genotypes consistently performed poorly with NH4+-N supply and improved with NO3−-N. Conclusions Higher concentrations of nitrate relative to NH4+-N, and the use of nitrate alone (either before or after NH4+-N fertilisation), were associated with improved canola growth and physiological parameters under glasshouse conditions. The genotype ZY001 exhibited superior performance among the four genotypes studied. Implications Using nitrate instead of NH4+-N as a nitrogen source may improve canola growth under glasshouse conditions. The ZY001 genotype showed tolerance to NH4+-N toxicity and may be useful for future studies under field conditions.
Enteric methane (CH4) emissions from ruminant livestock are a major source of greenhouse gases in northern Australian grazing systems, where the extensive, low-input nature of production limits the applicability of alternative mitigation strategies such as feed additives. Tropical forage legumes therefore represent one of the few practical abatement options available, offering mitigation through both direct suppression of rumen methanogenesis and indirect improvements in animal productivity. This review synthesises evidence from in vitro, in vivo and farm-scale studies and integrates these findings with production-system modelling and agronomic assessments to evaluate CH4 abatement potential under extensive grazing conditions. In vitro studies demonstrated an average 12.1% reduction in CH4 yield across tropical legume species, while in vivo studies reported a comparable mean reduction of 13.8%. Legume inclusion rate (% of dietary dry matter) emerged as the primary predictor of CH4 response. Production-system modelling across low-, medium- and high-productivity grazing systems showed that legume incorporation reduced emissions intensity by an average of 28%, with approximately 82% of the reduction attributable to productivity gains and 18% to direct suppression of enteric CH4. A multi-criteria prioritisation framework combining CH4 abatement potential with agronomic suitability identified a small number of high-potential species. Leucaena leucocephala consistently produced the greatest direct CH4 suppression, whereas Desmanthus and Stylosanthes spp. offered broader environmental adaptation and greater scalability despite more modest direct abatement. These findings suggest that effective CH4 mitigation in northern Australian grazing systems will require a portfolio of legumes tailored to regional conditions. Tropical legumes are an immediately deployable mitigation strategy, although their full potential will depend on overcoming constraints to establishment, persistence and adoption in commercial grazing systems.
Context. Tomato productivity is increasingly threatened by viral pathogens, particularly tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) and tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), which overcome classical resistance genes and cause severe yield losses. Aims. This study evaluated the leaf-level tolerance responses of 10 commercially grown tomato cultivars from the Czech Republic to ToBRFV and TSWV under controlled greenhouse conditions, on the basis of leaf symptom expression and virus accumulation in leaves. Methods. Viral accumulation in leaf tissue was quantified by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cultivars were screened for resistance-associated markers (Tm-1, Tm-2 and Tm-22 for ToBRFV; Sw5, Sw5b and Sw7 for TSWV). Defence responses were assessed by expression analysis of PAL, HQT, NBR1a, WRKY33a, PR-1 and ATG7 at 21 days post-inoculation. Results. Viral titres varied markedly among cultivars. Stupick & eacute; poln & iacute; ran & eacute; and Vilma consistently exhibited reduced ToBRFV accumulation (2.3-4.2 & times; 10(6) copies), whereas Gallant and Odat showed high ToBRFV accumulation in leaves (>2.0 & times; 10(7) copies). For TSWV, Stupick & eacute; poln & iacute; ran & eacute; exhibited a more tolerant leaf response, associated with the presence of the Sw7 allele, whereas Start, Gallant and Perun showed the least favourable leaf-level responses. None of the cultivars carried classical Tm resistance alleles for ToBRFV. Reduced viral accumulation was associated with enhanced induction of phenylpropanoid (PAL, HQT) and immune-related (NBR1a, WRKY33a, PR-1 and ATG7) genes. Conclusions. Stupick & eacute; poln & iacute; ran & eacute; and Vilma displayed the highest leaf-level tolerance (reduced symptoms and/or reduced leaf virus accumulation). Cultivar responses and defence activation varied widely among commercial cultivars. Implications. These results support molecularly informed breeding strategies, focusing on gene stacking and novel resistance sources to achieve durable, improved outcomes against both viruses.
Context Harvest weed seed control (HWSC) targets weed seeds as they pass through the harvester. Seed impact mills are aftermarket modifications that are mounted onto the back of the harvester and are one way to implement HWSC. These mills process the chaff fraction as it exits the harvester and kills the weed seeds therein. Aims Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the integrated Harrington Seed Destructor (iHSD) in soybean and the Redekop Seed Control Unit (SCU) in soybean and wheat. The purpose was to determine weed seed kill by the mill (weed seed kill) and seed loss in the straw (weed seed fate) during commercial harvest. Methods During harvest, a known amount of weed seeds was fed into the harvester front or directly into the mill and captured in the chaff or straw of harvester outputs. Six weed species were tested in soybean with the iHSD, and three species each were tested in soybean and wheat with the SCU. Key results The mills delivered >98% seed kill on all tested species during soybean harvest. In wheat, seed kill was >91% for Italian ryegrass and >99% for the other two species tested. During soybean and wheat harvest, <7% of seeds escaped HWSC in the straw fraction.Conclusions These data indicate that both mills generate high seed kill during grain crop harvest and very few seeds escape HWSC in the straw fraction. Implications Seed impact mills could be used during harvest to reduce the return of problematic species to the soil seedbank.
Context Dryland cropping systems in temperate subhumid and semi-arid regions confront increasing climate variability that threatens yield stability and long-term productivity. Optimizing crop choice and management requires understanding species-specific responses to environmental stress.Aims This study analyzed grain yield (GY) determination in four crop species (maize, sorghum, soybean, and peanut) that compete for land in temperate regions with contrasting water supply.Methods Field experiments were conducted over two seasons at three sites representing humid, subhumid, and semiarid conditions in Central Argentina, a major producing area of these crops. Early and late sowings were also evaluated. GY, shoot biomass, harvest index (HI), grain number (GN), and individual grain weight (GW) were measured and related to environmental variables.Key results GY declined with increasing aridity, higher vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and reduced water supply (WS). Biomass production was the primary GY driver, except in peanut, where HI was also critical. GN was strongly associated with crop growth rate and VPD during the critical period. GW contributed to GY variation in maize and soybean but not in sorghum and peanut. Sorghum exhibited resilience to elevated VPD and low WS, whereas peanut was sensitive to extreme aridity during the critical period and excess water or low temperatures during grain filling.Conclusions Species differed in yield formation strategies under stress. Sorghum was most resilient against dry conditions.Implications These findings emphasize the need for specific crop choice and management strategies aligned with local water regimes and evaporative demand to enhance yield stability in dryland systems.
Context Accurate prediction of phenological and morphological traits in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is essential to improve yield performance and increase selection efficiency in breeding programs.Aims To identify morpho-phenological traits driving total dry matter yield in local lucerne genotypes and to evaluate the predictive ability of multiple machine-learning (ML) algorithms.Methods Field data were collected over 2 years with three replicates per trait (n = 360 observations). Correlations between yield and traits were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, r. Four ML algorithms - random forest (RF), elastic net regression (ENet), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and support vector regression (SVR), were trained to predict yield; performance was compared using coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE). Trait importance was examined across models.Key results Yield was strongly positively associated with winter dormancy, post-harvest regrowth rate and plant resistance (r approximate to 0.67-0.68). RF achieved the best predictive performance (R2 = 0.61; RMSE = 26.49). Five traits (winter dormancy, post-harvest regrowth, resistance, plant form and root-crown bud number) consistently ranked as the most influential predictors.Conclusions RF best captured the partially non-linear, interaction-driven yield structure, and pinpointed a coherent set of morpho-phenological predictors aligned with classical correlation outcomes.Implications Integrating morpho-phenological traits with ML substantially improves yield predictability and provides a practical, data-driven framework to prioritise traits (e.g. winter dormancy, regrowth, resistance, plant form, root-crown buds) for selecting high-yielding, stress-resilient lucerne genotypes.
Context Pearl millet, a climate-resilient, nutrient-rich cereal, faces productivity challenges from environmental variability, necessitating identification of stable, high-yielding genotypes.Aims This study aimed to identify stable, high-yielding pearl millet to achieve increased grain yield per hectare (GYPH), spike length (SL), spike girth (SG), and thousand-seed weight (TSW) from a global germplasm collection of 248 pearl millet genotypes.Methods Field trials were conducted in an alpha lattice design with three replications across three environments. Genotype stability and performance were assessed using additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype main effect plus genotype-by-environment interaction (GGE) biplot analyses. Stability indices (AMMI-based stability parameter (ASTAB), AMMI stability index (ASI), AMMI stability value (ASV), modified AMMI stability index (MASI), and modified AMMI stability value (MASV)) were integrated to quantitatively assess the stable genotypes.Key results The first two AMMI principal components explained 55% and 45% of the total variation for GYPH, whereas GGE biplots explained 84.99%, 88.89%, 77.7%, and 83.17% for GYPH, SL, SG, and TSW respectively. AMMI identified G57, G101, and G209 as stable for GYPH, whereas GGE selected G87, G242, G246, and G131. The genotype selection index (GSI) highlighted G87, G209, G242, G143, and G172 as highly stable for GYPH. Stable genotypes were also identified for SL (G57, G246, G140), SG (G218, G157, G8), and TSW (G57, G95, G149).Conclusions The integrated assessment of stability using multiple approaches was shown to be effective in identifying stable genotypes across diverse environments. Notably, G87 emerged as the most stable genotype for GYPH.Implications Integrating stable genotypes into breeding programs could enhance yield stability, disease resistance, and grain quality, ensuring adaptability across environments.
Context Brassica, grass, and legume mixtures can produce high-quality forage but management remains unclear because of the variation among of brassica cultivars.Aim This experiment assessed the nutritive value and herbage accumulation of fall-grown brassica, oat (Avena sativa L.), and pea (Pisum sativum L.) mixtures.Methods A 2-year, four-replicate RCBD (randomized complete block design) field experiment was conducted with six brassica cultivars planted with oats and peas. Mixes with each brassica cultivar were planted at five seeding rates. Forage was harvested twice, approximately 2 and 3 months after planting.Key results Turnips (Brassica rapa L.), colza (Brassica napus L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), and interspecies forage hybrid (Brassica rapa & times; napus) remained at vegetative growth stage throughout the experiment, and had small differences in nutritive value. When these brassicas were seeded at 1.7-3.4 kg ha-1 with 50-75 kg ha-1 oats and 34-50 kg ha-1 peas, they produced an average of 2620 kg dry matter ha-1 with crude protein (CP) of 22.6%, total digestible nutrients (TDN) 64.3%, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of 36.2%. Conversely, flowering mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.) saw declines in nutritive value at the later harvest and performed best when seeded at 5.0 kg ha-1 in mixtures (herbage accumulation: 3654 kg dry matter ha-1; CP: 19.7%; TDN: 63.0%; NDF: 39.5%).Conclusions Growth habit of brassicas affects on how cultivars should be managed in forage mixtures.Implications Brassica seeding rates in mixtures should be based on variety growth habit and harvest timing.
Context Traditional breeding methods have achieved limited success in improving drought tolerance in rice due to the complex quantitative nature of the trait. However, modern approaches such as marker-assisted breeding (MAB) have enabled the development of drought-resilient varieties.Aim Given the popularity of ADT (R) 45 and its susceptibility to drought, this study aimed to introgress three drought-yield quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of qDTY1.1, qDTY3.1, and qDTY12.1 into ADT (R) 45 by using marker-assisted backcross breeding, and to identify promising drought-tolerant versions through both genotyping and phenotyping.Methods Backcrossing was conducted using F1s of ADT (R) 45 crossed with Apo and Way Rarem. Resulting BC3F1 and intermated populations (BC2F1 of ADT (R) 45/Way Rarem//BC2F1 of ADT (R) 45/Apo) were advanced to BC3F2 and intermated F2, followed by BC3F3 and intermated F3 generations. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) was applied in BC3F2 and intermated F2 to identify superior backcross inbred lines (BILs).Key results Sixteen BILs showed more than 10% yield gain under both moderate and severe stress. BILs I85 and W61 showed superior physiological traits such as higher relative water content, soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value, proline content, and better recovery under drought.Conclusions BIL I85 showed best score for leaf rolling, leaf drying, drought recovery as well as higher SPAD value and proline content. Whereas BIL W61 exhibited higher values for SPAD, relative water content, proline content and leaf drying score. These two BILs were also found to possess more than 10% single plant yield over recurrent parent ADT (R) 45.Implications These two BILS are therefore considered for further trials at the national and state levels, and the most promising one will be selected for release as a high-yielding drought-tolerant variety.
Plant Breeder's Rights (PBR) were introduced in Australia (1987-1994) to protect intellectual property (IP) and foster private investment in new plant cultivars. Their introduction coincided with an incremental withdrawal of the public sector from cultivar development, and a downsizing of the wool industry that had previously funded pasture research. This Viewpoint assesses the status of pasture cultivar development three decades later, contrasting PBR with the old Register of Australian Herbage Plant Cultivars (RAHPC). A desktop analysis of cultivars registered under PBR or RAHPC is compared to cultivars recently marketed by six major seed companies, followed by detailed case studies of three cultivars, to explore modern trends. As of April 2024, 807 cultivars were registered in Australia from 127 pasture species, most of which (>100) could be considered niche species. There was poor support for PBR by the companies sampled, with only 31% of marketed cultivars having PBR protection, 48% having never been registered and signs of low availability of many species. There was limited evidence of genetic gain in pasture cultivars post-2010, attributable to the lack of commercial return in minor species, little requirement for 'characters of merit' and poor cultivar descriptions that obscure independent assessment. It is our view that further genetic gain in most Australian pasture species seems unrealistic without public investment, owing to the wide diversity of species requiring development and the lack of end-point royalties in pasture cultivars. Preserving previous gains by maintaining availability of older cultivars of merit may be a more realistic objective.
Context Bacterial speck disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) is one of the main problems in tomato production in T & uuml;rkiye. Current control methods relying on copper-based bactericides are becoming less effective. Owing to the reduced effectiveness of copper, alternative management strategies are urgently needed.Aims This study aimed to isolate and identify endophytic bacteria from the phyllosphere and subsequently evaluate the impact of selected indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-hyperproducing isolates on tomato growth parameters and their potential for the biocontrol of Pst.Methods Twenty-three endophytic bacteria were isolated from tomatoes and screened for plant growth-promoting traits. Subsequently, three IAA-hyperproducing bacterial isolates (Y25, Y151, and Y189) were identified. The impact of these treatments on tomato growth parameters and their efficacy in controlling Pst were assessed.Key results In tissue culture experiments, Pantoea sp. Y25, Flavimonas sp. Y151 and Pseudomonas sp. Y189 promoted emergence, emergence speed, and seedling growth in tomato. In growth-chamber experiments, Y189 effectively reduced bacterial speck disease severity by 27% and improved shoot development under disease-free conditions. In contrast, the strains Y25 and Y151 unexpectedly inhibited plant development.Conclusions Our findings indicate that Pseudomonas sp. Y189 is a promising candidate for biological control, demonstrating a significant 27% reduction in bacterial speck disease severity in tomatoes, alongside enhanced shoot development and overall plant growth.Implications This study has highlighted that Pseudomonas sp. Y189 is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for managing bacterial speck disease in tomatoes.
Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) is a climate-resilient C4 cereal crop with exceptional adaptability to arid and semi-arid regions. Its unique morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms contribute to its high tolerance to drought, making it a valuable model for sustainable agriculture and breeding programmes. This review explored the drought resilience strategies of finger millet, focusing on its genetic traits, physiological adaptations, and molecular mechanisms. Additionally, the study examines its potential for guiding resilient cropping systems and improving drought tolerance in major crops. A comprehensive review of recent research was conducted, analysing morpho-physiological traits such as root architecture, stomatal control, and biochemical responses, including osmolyte accumulation and antioxidant activities. Molecular studies identifying stress-responsive genes and transcriptomic pathways were also evaluated. Finger millet exhibits high water use efficiency, robust root systems, and adaptive morphological traits that enhance drought resilience. Biochemical responses, such as proline and soluble sugar accumulation, mitigate osmotic stress and oxidative damage. Molecular studies identified key drought-responsive genes (EcDehydrin7, EcNAC67, EcbZIP60) and revealed syntenic relationships with Poaceae species, facilitating gene transfer for breeding. Finger millet’s diverse genetic traits and stress-tolerance mechanisms make it an essential resource for improving drought tolerance in major crops and developing climate-smart agriculture. The insights from finger millet can guide breeding programmes and agricultural practices to enhance global food security in the face of climate change.
Rice is often referred to as the ‘prince of cereals’, because it sustains two-thirds of the world’s population. However, the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases (e.g. CO2 and CH4) in the atmosphere is projected to raise Earth’s temperature by an estimated 2.5–4.5°C by the end of the 21st century. The cultivation of rice is one of the major contributors to greenhouse-gas emissions from the agricultural sector. It will thus accelerate global warming. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that temperature increases of merely 1°C result in a 5–10% decrease in yield. Various studies have suggested that characteristics such as short duration, effective resource use, root-related traits, and ratooning ability will lead to lower greenhouse-gas emissions. This review summarizes the findings on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions in rice cultivation from a breeding perspective. It suggests that future breeding programs should focus on combining the identified traits to help develop climate-smart, environmentally sustainable cultivars that can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions without compromising yield and quality.
Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), an essential cool-season legume crop, is widely cultivated in southern Asia as a sole winter crop following the rice harvest. It is highly valued for its rich nutritional profile, including abundant protein, folic acid, iron, and zinc. However, lentil production is severely threatened by various abiotic and biotic stresses. Key abiotic stresses include heat, drought, salinity, heavy metal toxicity, and iron deficiency. In contrast, biotic stresses comprise anthracnose, ascochyta blight, sclerotinia white mold, fusarium wilt, rust, and various viral, bacterial, and nematode diseases. To combat these challenges, plant breeders and geneticists have focused on identifying resistant germplasm, deciphering the genetic basis of resistance, and mapping associated resistance genes. Significant progress in lentil genomics, with efforts to establish a unified genetic map, has significantly enhanced breeding strategies. Presently, molecular breeding, specifically targeting anthracnose and ascochyta blight in Australia and Canada, has yielded promising results. Furthermore, the advent of molecular markers and genomics has revolutionized lentil breeding, enabling the precise development of disease-resistant and climate-resilient lentil varieties through marker-assisted selection. In addition, the integration of omics tools, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, has provided deeper insights into the complex biological pathways underlying stress tolerance. These technologies allow for more comprehensive identification of candidate genes and biomarkers, further advancing lentil breeding efforts. This review highlights the integration of traditional and innovative breeding techniques to address emerging challenges, particularly in the context of climate change. By combining ancestral knowledge with modern molecular breeding tools, researchers are making substantial progress in developing robust lentil varieties with improved resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses.
There is potential for the wider use of serradella (Ornithopus spp.) in south-eastern Australian permanent pastures where the legume component has historically been based on subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.). Serradella is a genus of annual legumes native to the Mediterranean region and central and north-western Europe. Cultivar development in Australia has largely focused on the yellow (O. compressus L.) and French serradella (O. sativus Brot.) species, with slender (O. pinnatus (Mill.) Druce) and common birds-foot (O. perpusillus L.) serradella of minor importance. Serradellas have been shown to be productive on deep, sandy, acidic soils in Mediterranean climates where they have demonstrated equal or higher production than has subterranean clover. Recent research has highlighted a broader adaptation zone for serradella, including the cooler regions of the temperate pasture zones of south-eastern Australia with acidic, duplex soil types. Diversifying the feedbase with serradellas offers benefits, including low incidence of pest and disease, improved drought resilience, low bloat risk, low oestrogenic activity, and tolerance of acidic and P-deficient soils with the potential to reduce P fertiliser inputs for pastures by 30%. Key challenges for broad-scale adoption of serradellas in these new environments includes selection and commercialisation of cultivars with appropriate flowering and seed traits, effective introduction of serradella rhizobia and improved options for controlling weeds. This paper reviews the traits of serradellas that make them a viable legume option for south-eastern Australia, along with progress in cultivar and agronomic development.
