Temperate forage legumes for adverse conditions.
2007
Frame, J. | Laidlaw, A. S.
The suitability of temperate forage legumes for adverse physical conditions is considered. The ability of the major forage legumes i.e. lucerne, white and red clover and birdsfoot trefoil and the 'minor' species, many originating from Mediterranean-type climatic zones, to withstand soil acidity, alkalinity and salinity and drought, waterlogging and extreme temperatures is compared. As many of the references cited involve direct comparison between species in response to a given adverse environmental factor, species are ranked for tolerance to that factor in some instances. Both annual and perennial species are included in the review. Conclusions from comparisons are conditioned by cultivars or ecotypes chosen to represent the species and the method of evaluation. Nevertheless, species at either end of the tolerance spectrum to a specific adverse factor are generally clearly identified. There is no definite rule in deciding whether the most appropriate approach to improving tolerance in the legume component of a forage or pasture is either to search and replace the existing species with another or improve the existing species. In the latter case, molecular and transformation technology is becoming increasingly important. Increasing emphasis on international cooperation is urged as marginal areas are not restricted to any one country. The economic case for reliance on legumes, especially in marginal areas where response to nitrogenous fertilizer is poorest, remains strong.
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