Prospects for diversifying temperate pasture systems in south-eastern Australia with serradella (<i>Ornithopus</i> spp.)

Laura Goward; Clinton Revell; David Peck; Alan Humphries; Richard Hayes; Richard Simpson; Rebecca Haling; Beth Penrose; Rowan Smith

Just Accepted

This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Prospects for diversifying temperate pasture systems in south-eastern Australia with serradella (Ornithopus spp.)

Laura Goward , Clinton Revell, David Peck , Alan Humphries, Richard Hayes , Richard Simpson , Rebecca Haling , Beth Penrose , Rowan Smith

Abstract

There is potential for the wider use of serradella (Ornithopus spp.) in south-eastern Australian permanent pastures where the legume component has historically been based on subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.). Serradella is a genus of annual legumes native to the Mediterranean region and central and north-west Europe. Cultivar development in Australia has largely focused on the yellow (O. compressus L.) and French serradella (O. sativus Brot.) species, with slender (O. pinnatus (Mill.) Druce) and common birds-foot serradella (O. perpusillus L.) of minor importance. Serradellas have proven to be productive on deep, sandy, acidic soils in Mediterranean climates where they have demonstrated equal or higher production than subterranean clover. Recent research highlights a broader adaptation zone for serradella including the cooler regions of the temperate pasture zones of south-eastern Australia with acidic, duplex soil types. Diversifying the feedbase with serradellas offers benefits including low incidence of pest and disease, improved drought resilience, low bloat risk, low oestrogenic activity, and tolerance of acidic and P-deficient soils with the potential to reduce P fertiliser inputs for pastures by 30%. Key challenges for broad-scale adoption of serradellas in these new environments includes selection and commercialisation of cultivars with appropriate flowering and seed traits, effective introduction of serradella rhizobia and improved options for controlling weeds. This paper reviews the traits of serradellas that make them a viable legume option for south-eastern Australia, along with progress in cultivar and agronomic development.

CP25065 Accepted 03 September 2025