BREEDING Lotus corniculatus FOR SOUTH ISLAND TUSSOCK COUNTRY

Lotus corniculatus introductions and cultivars from Europe, the Mediterranean and North and South America were evaluated for herbage production and morphological characteristics at six sites in the South Island tussock country. The sites constitute a sequence of increasing altitude, soil acidity, infertility, rainfall and cold temperatures. In the dry intermontane basins of Central Otago and the McKenzie Country, material from Portugal, Yugoslavia, Italy and France performed best, with high yields, a wide seasonal spread of production and desirable growth habit. In contrast, on the cold and infertile soils of upland Otago, material from Holland, Sweden, Canada and Russia proved superior by concentrating growth into summer. South American material had some cool season activity, but an erect growth habit and susceptibility to frosting reduced the suitability of this material. The relative merits of Lotus corniculatus compared with red, white and alsike clover, lucerne and Lotus pedunculatus are discussed. Superior plants have been isolated and will be polycrossed to produce lines for progeny testing. Experimental cultivars will be produced by bulking these superior lines for establishment/management studies and on-farm trials. A co-operative effort between research organisations and farmers is envisaged. Keywords: Introductions, adaptation, selection, breeding programme.