Journal article

Use of modelling to identify perennial ryegrass plant traits for future warmer and drier climates

BR Cullen, RP Rawnsley, RJ Eckard, KM Christie, MJ Bell

CROP & PASTURE SCIENCE | CSIRO PUBLISHING | Published : 2014

Abstract

Potential exists to select pasture species better adapted to anticipated warmer temperatures and lower rainfall, associated with increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gas concentrations, to maximise pasture yields and persistence. This study assessed the effect of increasing three plant traits in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) to adapt to future climates: root depth; heat tolerance, defined as the ability of plant to grow at high temperatures; and responsiveness to elevated CO2 concentrations. Pasture production was simulated using the Sustainable Grazing Systems Pasture model at three sites with temperate climates in south-eastern Australia: Hamilton, Vict..

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Grants

Funding Acknowledgements

This work was supported by funding from Dairy Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under its Australia's Farming Future Climate Change Research Program.