Improved seed production of Lotus tenuis for a global market

A combination of field, glasshouse and laboratory methods were used to evaluate the relative growth, seed production, feed quality and environmental tolerance characteristics of accessions and cultivars of L. tenuis . Two field sites, one in northern Tasmania and the other in South East Tasmania, were used for the initial screening and characterisation of L. tenuis . Subsequent evaluation of more promising selections was undertaken at the northern site only. The investigation of the effect of daylength on flowering and the salinity and waterlogging tolerance of L. tenuis was undertaken at the University of Tasmania, where glasshouse and laboratory facilities were used to grow and subject plants to a range of treatments. The evaluation of an extensive range of accessions and cultivars has resulted in the selection of a group of nine polycross and seven single plant genotypes of L. tenuis with improved seed production characteristics. There were no climatic limitations to flowering in L. tenuis as determined at two sites under Tasmania conditions. The final selections of L. tenuis were also confirmed to have excellent salinity and waterlogging tolerance and favourable feed quality parameters for animal production.