Alteration of Physiological Parameters of Milkvetch (\u3cem\u3eAstragalus adsurgens\u3c/em\u3e) by the Pathogen \u3cem\u3eEmbellisia astragali\u3c/em\u3e

Milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens) is sown on \u3e 1 M ha in China as a forage legume and to control soil and water erosion. It is drought-tolerant and has high herbage yield, wide adaptability and medium forage quality. However, fungal disease is a major factor affecting its persistence and productivity. Embellisia astragali is a highly virulent seed-borne pathogen which commonly causes stunt and root rot. The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of Embellisia astragali on the physiological status of milkvetch by monitoring changes through time in net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and other parameters of milkvetch inoculated with the pathogen and to compare the data between resistant and susceptible varieties to identify the disease resistance physiological mechanism

Enhancing Grassland Productivity through Disease Management of Grass and Forage Species

The total area of grassland in China is about 400 million hectares, accounting for 41.7% of the country’s land area, which plays important role in ecological construction and food security assurance of the national. However, diseases of grass and forage limited the development of the pastoral agriculture. There are more than1500 new diseases were reported in the past 16 years with more and more new diseases were discovered. The damage to grassland is becoming more severe with the known diseases prevalent areas expanding

The Role of Alfalfa and Forage Resources in Crop-Livestock Systems in a Rain-Fed Region of North-Western China

Western China has been facing the challenges of both environmental sustainability and economic development. Current government policies and interventions support the development of integrated crop-livestock production systems for enhancing food security and environment sustainability. Compared with traditional grain-based faming systems, integrated systems have better resource utilisation, however annual forage supply deficits estimated at 1.37 t DM forage/farm are experienced in the region, especially in late winter and early spring. Accordingly, optimising the use of available forage resources is a priority for regional researchers and extension officers, with research seeking pathways for better fodder conservation and greater and more effective use of fodder sources to close the spring feed gap. This paper presents relevant research activities relating to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) management in integrated crop-livestock production systems. As the planting of alfalfa is strongly encouraged in northern China, alfalfa species selection and optimised harvesting management are essential to ensure the full benefits of alfalfa are available for livestock intensification. The capacity for a prevalent grain crop, winter wheat to be managed as a dual-purpose fodder and grain source shows potential as a means to alleviate deficits of animal feed supply. The present information expands our understanding of integrated forage-livestock production in rain-fed areas, exploring options that can improve productivity in small-farm households leading to income generation