The Forage Technologies and Tools in Ryegrass project enhances the ability of plant breeders to predict and select for improved traits in new ryegrass species and considers whether the use of endophytes can provide insect protection.
Conducted in key dairy regions of Victoria, the project provides locally relevant information which is of increasing importance under the conditions projected for these areas under climate change pressures.
The precision breeding in lucerne project aims to develop modern genomic breeding techniques in the species and provide targeted improvements in yields, growth rate, herbage nutritive value and other traits of importance to the dairy industry. By developing modern breeding capabilities, the project will enable breeders to assess and improve the genetic and physical characteristics of lucerne.
The project also aims to generate higher quality seed that will be made available by commercial partners. Lucerne’s advantages in nitrogen fixing, low production and increases in milk yields mean the project will provide a valuable feed crop alternative for the future dairy industry.
The Targeted Gene Editing in Forages project seeks to develop forage options which are more digestible and have improved nutritional value when eaten by dairy cows.
Using advanced laboratory techniques for plant breeding, the project will determine whether selectively deleting a gene associated with molecules in plant walls can produce more digestible forms of short-term and perennial ryegrass, as well as Rhodes grass and Kikuyu grass.
The project provides improved options for forages under climate change.
The Precision Breeding in Perennial Grasses project seeks to develop the capability for modern genetic breeding in cocksfoot grass which is currently lacking.
Using a highly targeted approach informed by data collected from a field trial in a Victorian dairy context, the project aims to develop technologies and create improvements to the yield, growth rate and herbage quality of the species.
The result will be enhanced capabilities and new varieties of this perennial grass species which aims at providing improved future forage options dairy farmers.