2001 Annual Report for LNC99-155
Native Perennial Legumes: New Species for Grazing Systems
Summary
Native perennial legumes were once a vital component of Midwestern grassland ecosystems. We have evaluated the establishment of two native legumes, Illinois bundleflower and false indigo, in grazing systems on four farms in western and southeastern Minnesota. We have laid the foundation for plant breeding programs for both species using germplasm collected from the north central United States. Our evaluation and selection nurseries are located in three diverse environments in Minnesota and Iowa.
Objectives/Performance Targets
Objective 1: To evaluate establishment and persistence of two native perennial legumes in grazing systems using a research and education network.
Objective 2: To initiate two native perennial legume breeding programs.
Accomplishments/Milestones
Objective 1: To evaluate establishment and persistence of two native perennial legumes in grazing systems using a research and education network.
Establishment trials were initiated at Montevideo and Milan in 1999. On-farm plot areas were identified and tested for soil fertility. Frost seeded plots were established in November, 1999 and spring seeded plots were established in April, 2000. Stand counts were taken in June, 2000 and 2001 at both on-farm sites. At both sites, the establishment of false indigo and Illinois bundleflower was more successful with spring seedings than with frost seedings in the fall. Stand counts for the fall frost seeding showed no established plants of either species in June, 2000. The spring seeded plots showed that Illinois bundleflower established better than false indigo averaging 40 plants per square meter verses four plants per square meter for false indigo. However, the extremely dry conditions during the Fall, 2000 resulted in the complete loss of both legumes on the Handeen Farm and the loss of Illinois bundleflower on the Struxness Farm. Stand counts of False Indigo were reduced to one plant per square meter on the Struxness Farm. Stands were to poor to take dry matter yields of grasses, legumes and weeds and to determine the forage quality of the pasture. Final stand counts will be taken in June and/or September, 2002.
Establishment trials were initiated at Lake City and Wilson in Spring, 2000. On-farm plot areas were identified and tested for soil fertility. Spring seeded plots were established in May or June, 2000. Stand counts were taken in September, 2000 and June, 2001. In September, 2000, the spring establishment trials in southeastern Minnesota initially showed better success with both species. Illinois bundleflower has greater plant counts than false indigo at all on-farm sites but did not establish when competition from other companion species was not controlled (Lake City location). In June, 2001, plant stand counts were reduced but were adequate at the Dansburger Farm. At the Lentz Farm, Illinois bundleflower and false indigo were completely lost in the unclipped treatment and were greatly reduced in the clipped treatment. Competition must be controlled in established pastures to have successful introduction of these legumes into pastures. Stands were to poor to take dry matter yields of grasses, legumes and weeds and to determine the forage quality of the pasture. Final stand counts will be taken in June and/or September, 2002.
Objective 2: To initiate two native perennial legume breeding programs.
Breeding programs for Illinois bundleflower and False indigo was initiated by establishing 20
populations of each species at Becker and St. Paul, MN. Basic genetic and agronomic information about false indigo and Illinois bundleflower for use in developing successful plant breeding strategies and agronomic research priorities was collected during 1999 and 2000. Analysis of the Illinois bundleflower data and False Indigo data is completed.
Three plant breeding populations of Illinois bundleflower were identified and seed was increased in 2001 for potential variety release of this native legume for grazing and restoration.
False indigo collections with excellent potential agronomic and forage quality traits have been identified from the 20 accessions evaluated for potential use in a future plant improvement program.
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
The research conducted on-farm will lead to the development of appropriate establishment techniques for Illinois bundleflower and false indigo. Grower input will be critical to determine the best management practices for a wide range of grazing systems in Minnesota. However, the incorporation of legumes into pasture systems should increase the profitability of pasture-based livestock systems. Environmental impacts to pasture-based systems include reduced soil erosion, decreased fertilizer and chemical runoff, and reduced animal stress. Native perennial legumes have the added benefit of enhancing the aesthetics of rural landscapes with their showy flowers and foliage. Seed of three source-identified populations of Illinois bundleflower was increased in 2001 for potential release to producers.