RESPONSIBLE USE OF EXOTIC TROPICAL PASTURE CULTIVARS - AN ECOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK

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.