February 12, 2003

Hedysarum, a legume plant native to the Mediterranean, is showing great promise in Australian trials.

In the trials, which are being conducted in South Australia, northern New South Wales and Queensland, Hedysarum has grown well and is being assessed as a plant which can be grazed, or made into hay or silage.

Erect, semi-erect and prostrate forms of three species of Hedysarum are being tested and a plant breeding program is under way aimed at the release of varieties adapted to Australian conditions and to Australian farming systems.

Initial selections of Hedysarum were made in the National Annual Pasture Legume Improvement Program supported by the Grains Research & Development Corporation and Australian Wool Innovations.

Further information from Dr Carolyn de Koning at the South Australia Research and Development Institute, +61 (08) 8524 9661.