Inoculation Conference

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30128, 11 May 1963, Page 6

Inoculation Conference

[By

DR. M. PROCTOR,

Plant Chemistry Division, D.S.I.R.]

A cross section of New Zealand research and agricultural workers participated in an exchange of ideas on the problems affecting clover and lucerne establishment during a two-day conference at Lake Ohau this week.

After papers on the chief biological, chemical and physical factors affecting the performance of the rootncdule forming bacteria ißhizabia), the discussion moved to the practical aspects of clover establishment at Te Anau. Here, the intense research programme of the Department of Agriculture led to successful formulation of the problems in the area. These problems were solved by correction of major nutrient deficiences, with the use of inoculated clover seed, and the drilling of seed and fertiliser. Consequently satisfactory pastures were established. The Te Anau scheme is noteworthy as an example of the value of pelleted and inoculated seed.

The practical advantages of pelleting have been that inoculated seed can be stored for longer periods than non. pelleted seed while awaiting sowing and that pelleted seed can be sown in direct contact with un-reverted superphosphate.

During an afternoon session representatives of various mercantile firms gave an account of their development of satisfactory inoculated seed. They stressed the value of close co-operation with D.S.I.R. in the improvement of methods by the use of the latest research information and practices. Commercially produced inoculants in New Zealand have reached a very high standard of quality, probably the best in the world, and continual improvement is assured by an active development programme.

The role of minerals and fertilisers an establishment of legumes was well covered In technical papers, discussions and a visit to an experimental area at which it was seen that the application of adequate amounts of sulphur, lime and phosphate, together with the use of inoculated clover seed, led to the establishment of excellent pasture above the altitude of Lake Ohau (1800 feet). The experimental area was an excellent example of scaling up results obtained in the glasshouse to a field scale. The potential and agricultural role of lucerne in the drier high country was expounded by Mr D. G. Rey-

Holds (Department of Agri, culture, Ftirlie), who stressed the severe physical limitations on successful lucerne establishment and the absolute need for an early strike. Modulation and root growth prior to summer drought but subsequent to the frost heave. This problem, which was essentially a physical one. would probably only be surmounted by the development of new methods of lucerne inoculation, typified by the pelleting and “pre-soaking" method. In the final session the need for rigorous control of field experiments was stressed, and it was pointed out that testing facilities are already available for quality of inoculant, seed, and effectiveness of any inoculation method.

Summing up Dr. P. D. Sears (Grasslands Division. D.5.1.R.) suggested that problems of establishment could be oriented in terms of gross environmental conditions and seen in this way the apparently peculiar problems of the “high country” fell into an already well-established pattern. The conference was organised by the D.S.I.R. and the Tussock Grasslands and Mountain Lands Institute, Lincoln College.