The recent releases of nine new pasture varieties are set to benefit Western Australia sheep producers using a wide range of farming systems.

Western Australia Department of Agriculture research scientist Phil Nichols will present details of the new legume cultivars at the Agribusiness Sheep Updates in Perth from 27-28 July.

The Agribusiness Sheep Updates are an initiative of the Department with funding from Australian Wool Innovation and Meat and Livestock Australia.

Mr Nichols said the new legumes, released by the National Annual Pasture Legume Improvement Program, included four subterranean clovers, two French Serradellas, one biserrula and two burr medics.

He said seed of the new varieties, covered by Plant Breeders Rights, was expected to be commercially available to producers next year.

“Of the subterranean clovers, Izmir and Urana are hardseeded varieties suited to cropping rotations in areas with less than 375 mm and 400-525 mm of rainfall, respectively,” Mr Nichols said.

“Coolamon has resistance to both races of clover scorch and performs best in 500-700 mm areas, while Napier is tolerant to waterlogging for areas with more than 750 mm of annual rainfall.

“Erica and Margurita are hardseeded French serradellas for 350-500 mm rainfall areas which, unlike Cadiz, can persist through cropping rotations..

“Mauro is a later flowering, softer-seeded biserrula than Casbah suited to 450-700mm rainfall areas. Scimitar and Cavalier are softer-seeded burr medics suited to areas with more than 325mm and more than 425mm rainfall areas, respectively.”

Mr Nichols said the new pasture legumes would increase the options available to wool and sheep meat producers.

“By increasing legume dominance of the pasture, the feeding value of the pasture is increased with consequent benefits for animal production. Crops in rotation also benefit through increased nitrogen fixation,” he said.

“Mixtures of cultivars and species should also be used to provide a buffer against different seasonal effects and soil types within the paddock.”

The latest information on pasture research and development will be discussed at the Sheep Updates by leading industry speakers including the Department’s Paul Sanford, Clinton Revell, Liu Anyou and Lucy Anderton, and guest speakers Kelly Pierce of University of Western Australia and Gonz Mata of CSIRO.