P1c – Exploring genetic variability of Kikuyu

The University of Sydney in collaboration with Hatton’s Turf Research has been breeding improved kikuyu grasses for more than 15-years. These new materials have greater biomass production, tolerance to salinity and drought and represent significant new diversity for nutritional factors. Given that Australia’s pasture lands are increasingly subject to moisture stress and warmer temperatures, this climate ready pasture could provide greater flexibility to the animal industries including dairy.

The industry issue: Current kikuyu pasture cultivars are limited in adaptation, nutritional quality and scope. However, the extent of adaptation in the new materials developed by the University of Sydney and Hatton’s remains largely untested in most dairy producing areas. The nutritional status of these materials when grown in a broader range of environments is also untested. Such information could lead to the release of improved pastures and will provide a basis for continued breeding and selection.

Our aim is to explore and evaluate promising lines of Kikuyu that have been selected for increased biomass production and tolerance to salinity and drought.

Our approach and methods

Thirteen distinct kikuyu genotypes property of Hatton Turf Research Pty Ltd (Theresa Park, NSW), plus two commercially available varieties (controls) have been evaluated in small replicated plots at the Plant Breeding Institute in Cobbitty.

The plots were exposed to natural conditions. Soil nutrient/moisture and daily weather were assessed throughout the experimental period (using tiny tags at remote locations). Plots were cut for biomass assessment at key periods of the year and rate and extent of re-growth assessed. Materials were screened for nutritive value in addition to local adaptation.

Concurrent pot studies were conducted in a hydroponic system at PBI for more detailed assessment of nutritive traits including NDF, ADF, CP, IVDMD and NDFD. The same traits were assessed in the field at both locations for comparison and determination of stability.

Progress