The value of germplasm nurseries in selecting species for field evaluation

Abstract

This paper documents observations made in irrigated seed multiplication nurseries of novel pasture germplasm to aid in the selection of species for field trials. For the first time it also compares these observations to results from past and concurrent field trials to ascertain the value of observations made in germplasm nurseries in predicting performance in the field. Flowering abundance, seed yield and plant survival over a 2-year period was assessed at four consecutive germplasm nurseries used for seed multiplication between 2002 and 2007. Germplasm included 373 accessions from 67 species and 28 genera of exotic and native perennial forage species, mostly legumes with potential in recharge environments. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to allocate accessions within a species to fewer groups of accessions using the germplasm characteristics. Plant survival and ratings for herbage production in germplasm nurseries were compared to results from field trials for the same species and for the same accessions in order to identify which plant characteristics gave good concordance. Observations from germplasm nurseries were, on the whole, useful in predicting survival of species and accessions in field trials. Ratings for herbage production in germplasm nurseries corresponded poorly with measurements or ratings of herbage production in field trials but, nevertheless, were useful in eliminating some poor-performing germplasm. Several species were identified that had superior survival and seed production in germplasm nurseries, some of which also performed well in field trials, including Dorycnium hirsutum, Kennedia prostrata, Lespedeza juncea var. sericea, Lotononis bainesii and Sanguisorba minor. Western Australian native species had mixed performance in germplasm nurseries but showed promise in field trials, and should be further investigated for their potential in farming systems in southern Australia.

Contrasting responses to drought stress in herbaceous perennial legumes

“…A large research effort has recently evaluated novel, including undomesticated, native and exotic perennial legumes as alternatives to lucerne in south-western Australia and across Australia (Bell et al 2006;Li et al 2008;Snowball et al 2010). Traits viewed as favourable in novel germplasm include better drought resistance than lucerne and tolerance of low-nutrient, especially low-phosphorus, soils.…”

Bioactive properties of Sanguisorba minor L. cultivated in central Greece under different fertilization regimes

“…It was also observed that the highest seedling emergence of S. officinalis was recorded when seeds were sown at 1-2 cm deep, depending on sowing substrate (clay or sand). Moreover, Snowball, D'Antuono, Cohen, Gajda, and Bennett (2010) reported that S. minor performed well under field and nursery conditions showing high survival rates and seed production. Recently, Karkanis et al (2019), studied the effects of the type of substrate on the growth, physiology and content of phenolic compounds in S. minor plants.…”

Exploring the wider potential of forage legumes collected from the highlands of Eritrea

“…Plant spacing ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 m. All seedlings of each accession were planted together into a single unreplicated plot similar to the ‘hill-plot’ method (Freitas et al , 2011). Nursery plots were managed according to Snowball et al (2010). Only T. pumila seedlings were not transplanted into the field plots, but instead were transferred into 30 cm plastic pots, kept outdoors in semi-shade, and watered and fertilized frequently.…”