Jg. Mcivor et S. Mcintyre, RESPONSIBLE USE OF EXOTIC TROPICAL PASTURE CULTIVARS - AN ECOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK, Tropical grasslands, 31(4), 1997, pp. 332-336
Exotic pasture cultivars have provided considerable economic benefits
to Australia but, in recent years, some have attracted criticism for t
heir environmental impacts and a number have been labelled environment
al weeds. Colonising ability and high yields associated with the capac
ity to dominate vegetation are important characteristics of pasture cu
ltivars as well as characteristics of environmental weeds. Responsible
use will consider environmental impacts as well as agronomic performa
nce and economic benefits. This will involve consideration of: which a
reas to sow; the characteristics to select for in exotic species; the
development of native cultivars; and appropriate management systems. F
uture use will involve trade-offs and sacrifices and there will always
be some risk, but this could be reduced so that benefits can be captu
red and unwanted environmental effects minimised.