Where we re at! The Kikuyu program at the University of Sydney

Transcription

1 Where we re at! The Kikuyu program at the University of Sydney Selection 946 tidal mark Black Ada Swamp, Tarthra FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT Mr Duncan Fraser M.Agr Plant Breeding Institute Meeting; Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov.) Location; Mount Barker Date; 20 th August 2013

2 Dr. B. Morris doctorate study on Kikuyu (2009) What has been achieved so far. In Dr Morris s literature review he investigated and compiled a comprehensive history of the origins and movements of Kikuyu, most importantly the introduction into Australia. Within his study he researched the; The discovery and naming of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) An early collection of material (1930 s) from 7 different areas in Kenya. Called the Edward s eco-types showing that even in these early collection variation were noticed. The eco-types were named after the particular areas where they were found. Molo finer leaf and stem material. Kabete intermediate coarseness. Rongai coarsest eco-type, darker colour and some male sterility was noticed. The spread from Kenya to South Africa. Introduction of Kikuyu throughout the world. Movements and naming of selections and cultivars within Australia. 2

3 The Four Registered Australian lines Current Registered Australian lines Whittet developed using plant material imported from Kenya this work was carried out during the period ( ) by Graham Wilson at Grafton Agricultural Experimental Station, the cultivar was registered in March Still the number one pasture cultivar today 43 years later. Breakwell from the work with Whittet a more compact denser variety better suited for erosion control and was registered November Crofts found on The University of Sydney s farm at Camden by H.J. Geddes 1972 and registered in A cold tolerant variety developed for the coastal regions of N.S.W. from Bega in the south to Taree in the North. Noonan A cross between Whittet and Breakwell registered March Also developed at Grafton for its resistance to kikuyu yellows (Verrucalvus flavofaciens). 944 Jellan Jellan Flats 3

4 Previous Scientific Research PhD Project Variation and breeding of Kikuyu grass. Taken from Dr Morris s notes showing the work that was carried out in his PhD study. There was an initial assessment of 75 individual Kikuyu lines from Hattons farm Cobbitty N.S.W. lines were simply marked 1 to 75. Developed a pollen source (male parent) plants that were supposedly Kikuyu yellows (KY) resistant. These plants were mutants developed at Grafton, three plants were selected and numbered 900, 901 and 902. A collection was created through the addition of a further 67 individuals to the germplasm; numbered 903 to 967. Locations of selections included a home lawn in Canberra ( 924) and Numbugga N.S.W. ( 941). Two selections were made from each of these sites and designated (a) and (b). Remaining F 2 population 4

5 Previous Scientific Research PhD Project (continued) Variation and breeding of Kikuyu grass. Developed an understanding and method of breeding Kikuyu so viable seed could be collected for ongoing large scale production of plant material for assessment. Developed the procedure to evaluate DNA to differentiate Kikuyu lines. Created an F 1 and F 2 population for further analyses. 349 F 1 hybrid lines were created by crossing naturally occurring ecotypes (seed parents) with the reported kikuyu yellows resistant material from Wollongbar Agricultural Research Station, Grafton (pollen parents). About 1500 F 2 were bred prior to 2009 and put into the glasshouse at the University of Sydney s Plant Breeding Institute, Cobbitty N.S.W. for further scrutiny. Remaining F 2 population 5

6 After 2008 Analyses of Kikuyu potential increases in nutrition and Dry matter production The preliminary evaluation pre breeding field assessment of the initial 15 ecotypes Kikuyu s collected and the 14 hybrid lines (2008) Features considered: Dry matter production The best 15 eco-types and 14 F 1 were evaluated and compared to Whittet. Field analyses which included: Clipping yield. Moisture content of clippings. Colour saturation (using a colour meter). Visual Inspection of colour, texture and density. Internode length. 6

7 14 Eco-type Designations These are the selections made from the original eco-type collection. Ecotype Number Source Whittet Whittet 932 Weipa 941b Numbugga 930 SA Race Track 900 PBI 945 Tathra 902 PBI 950 Berambing 966 Victoria 901 PBI 915 Toowoomba 924a Canberra 965 Grafton 934 Tasmania 903 PBI Common Cobbitty Turf 945 Tarthra. N.S.W.

8 Plot Layout 14 Ecotypes North Whittet b Whittet a Common b Common a Whittet Common a b 902

9 Whittet b a Common Average wet clipping yield (wet kg/plot). Clipping Yield Planted into plots see below for average wet weight Whittet Toowoomba

10 14 F 1 were selected for further evaluation Female Parent. Male Parent KH929 2 Salt tolerance Female Parent Characteristics KH930 3 Aggressive growth habit KH908 2 Natural dark colour KH905 3 Natural dwarf habit, shade and wear tolerance KH941 3 Natural dwarf habit and low P tolerant KH950 1 Original kikuyu line in Australia KH912 1 Drought tolerance KH934 3 Cold tolerance KH924 1 Natural dwarf habit and cold tolerance KH901 2 Kikuyu Yellows Resistant KH965 2 Natural dwarf habit KH946 3 Salt tolerance KH39 1 Male sterile KH911 2 Drought tolerance

11 Plot Layout F 1 s at Landsdowne farm North KH929 KH930 KH908 KH KH941 KH950 Noonan KH KH934 Whittett KH924 KH KH965 KH946 KH39 KH911

12 Clipping yield dry weight (kg/plot). Pre-Breeding Clipping Yield Dry Weight Clipping yields were taken during the summer of 2009, 1 month worth of data 8 samples using a slash mower. (plot number 10 in this graph is Whittet) /1/08 21/1/08 26/1/08 29/1/08 1/2/08 5/2/08 8/2/08 11/2/ Plot No.

13 Daily growth rate (wet g/m2) Daily Growth Rate (fresh basis) Clippings Plot No.

14 Estimated Total Annual Production (dry kg/ha/yr) Potential Annual Production Daily growth rate X 210 day approximate growing days Camden District Plot No

15 F 1 growth habit (Landsdowne farm) 1. KH929 Salt tolerant 3. KH908 Dark green 5. Natural dwarf low P tolerance 6. Original Kikuyu line in Australia 10. Whittet 14. KH946 Salt tolerant 16. Drought tolerant

16 Composite visual assessment (score 1-9). Composite Visual Assessment Dr. Peter Martin and Duncan Fraser evaluated the plot for turf types Plot No.

17 Plot Layout F 2 s North NUT P2 S6 F b 13 SART P2 S3 F 2 13 SART P1 S1 F P1 S2 F P3 S2 F P3 S1 F 2 29 # F 2 14 S 906 P1 S2 F DB 12 3 P1 S2 F P2 S3 F P3 S1 F P2 S2 F P2 S1 F P1 S2 F b P3 S1 F P3 S3 F NUT P2 S5 F b 13 S2 944 P2 S3 F P3 S? F P2 S1 F S3 F P1 S2 F # 908 P2 S3 F P2 S3 F SART F P3 S2 F

18 Photographs of F 2 Lines a Mutant and Super Dwarf Planted into a depleted silt-sand river soil very low in nutrients Pasture Mutant Turf Super dwarf 18

19 Proposed Work: the Direction We Think the Research Should Take. Pre breeding for a PhD project, unfortunately if there is no industry support the Kikuyu project will stall. Morphological evaluations will be directed towards finding a solution to production shortfalls. Salt tolerance in both seed and vegetative tissue (methodologies). Seeds are put into Petri dishes with one of 5 salt brine concentrations with a control. This process is replicated a minimum of 3 times. Vegetative salt trial in plant tubes where 9 cultivars are grown in 5 salt brine also with a control treatments and replicated a minimum of 3 times. Growth habit & morphological measurements Dry-matter production. Colour Its relevance to nutrition Chemical analysis of leaf and stem material their Metabolic profile showing nutritional make up specifically digestible energy by Gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Identify the role of specific genes and determine their breeding value. Continue breeding. 19

20 The Potential Direction a PhD Project Morphological characterisation; physical measurements direct towards perennial pasture production. Genetic analysis including heritability; evaluate DNA creating family trees that recognise ancestral traits, that potentially enable tolerances. Pre-breeding and breeding evaluations. Investigate management practices and direct the research towards the effective procedures employed by farmers, who are well versed in their own environmental constraints. Determine salinity tolerance and probable inheritance. Set up comparative trials that determine feed yields of selected kikuyu lines using sheep as the method for calculating productivity. Determine variation in winter dormancy The impact of companion legume plants as a winter forage crop; a comparative analyses of a number of legume species and their ability to satisfy nutritional requirements during the colder months. 20

21 Kikuyu traits: What is Important for Turf? Current evaluation criteria for turf going forward TRAITS SCORE 1 9 DWARF 2 COLOUR 3 STERILE 1 SHADE 8 FINE LEAF 6 REDUCED P 9 REDUCED N 8 WEAR 5 DROUGHT 4 SALINITY 7 YELLOWS RESISTANCE 4 21

22 Kikuyu traits: What is Important for Pastures? TRAITS Salt tolerance Drought tolerances Companion plants Winter dormancy Plant Nutritional improvements Dry matter production SCORE 22

23 Conclusions The University of Sydney has a large germplasm collection but relatively little is known of the inheritance of key traits and the potential of this material for perennial pastures. 23

24 Thank you for this opportunity WA groups should be recognised for their good work and continued support of this collaborative research. EverGraze has supported the project including establishment of long term sustainable paddocks, companion plants, and salt trial work in WA. Evergreen support will be vital in promoting government interaction and gaining political support for this work. 24