A new French serradella cultivar released today will create a more reliable pasture option for growers, particularly those in low rainfall areas.
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said the new variety, called Eliza, was early maturing, providing farmers with a robust alternative for seed production and pasture improvement.
Mr Redman said Eliza was developed from the popular Cadiz serradella and flowered three weeks earlier than its parent when planted in May-June.
"Effective seed yields of Cadiz are dependent on late spring rainfall so seed production may only be possible once every three to five years in low rainfall areas," he said.
"Eliza has all the same attributes as Cadiz but its early maturity will help to provide for a more stable seed yield across seasons.
"This means farmers will be able to produce more seed on-farm for replanting or sale through arrangement with the licensee and the plant breeders - the Department of Agriculture and Food and Murdoch University."
The new cultivar, which was selected by department researcher Brad Nutt as part of his PhD at Murdoch University, was presented to growers at the Mingenew-Irwin Group's annual Spring Field Day.
Eliza French serradella is suited to areas that receive less than 400 millimetres annual rainfall and can be used for fodder, weed control, nitrogen fixation and brown manuring.
Its seed is slightly larger than Cadiz, generating greater seedling vigour and better plant establishment.
Several trials over recent years, some in association with the Mingenew-Irwin Group, have shown it performs as well as Cadiz with the same grazing potential but produces consistently higher seed yields.
The naming of Eliza follows the tradition of naming varieties after women's names originating from the Spanish region.
Seed is now being bulked up and is expected to be available in small quantities in 2011 with full commercial availability in 2012.
Minister's office - 9213 6700
