Publication Date

2022

Publisher

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia

City

Perth

Abstract

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Vetch, common vetch (Vicia sativa). Common vetch is a sprawling, climbing annual legume which has been grown in the Middle east and Europe since ancient times. It is a versatile legume for pasture, green manure, hay/silage and grain. Two subspecies are recognized: narrow-leaved vetch (Vicia sativa subsp. nigra) and common vetch (Vicia sativa subsp. sativa). Vetch is susceptible to a range of diseases (rust, Ascochyta) and insects (red-legged earth mite, lucerne flea, blue green aphid, cowpea aphid and Heliothis). Plants infected by rust can cause abortion in pregnant ruminant animals. Common vetch is a minor pasture species in south-western Australia. In experimental trials in northern Western Australia (WA) the annual legumes and herbs had good feed quality but in general, with low forage yields under irrigation, are unlikely to be economically viable. However, vetch has a larger seed and much faster early growth than the small-seeded annual clovers and serradella. Production in experimental trials to date has been modest, but vetch may have potential as a green or brown manure crop in an annual rotation to improve the soil and to boost organic matter content (Moore et al. 2021).

Number of Pages

3

Keywords

weed risk, assessment, biosecurity, Western Australia, Vetch, common vetch, Vicia sativa

Disciplines

Biosecurity | Weed Science

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