ABSTRACT
Summary The tree legume Leucaena leucocephala is a high-quality cattle forage in many tropical countries. For the past 30 years, cattlemen have not planted leucaena despite conclusive evidence from small grazing experiments that it improved beef production and was suited to a large area of northern Australia. Seed of four cultivars was available in the 1960s. In 1968 cv. Peru, an excellent forage type, was planted in a 24-ha block specifically for seed production. But little of this seed was used in Australia. There were several probable reasons for the nonadoption of leucaena. Adverse publicity on the extreme effects of mimosine toxicity, limited ecological adaptation, and problems with establishment created barriers to adoption. Most important, rotational grazing in short cycles advocated for leucaena hedgerows by researchers was in direct conflict with traditional continuous grazing management of native and improved pastures. Extension officers lacked confidence in leucaena and refrained from recommending it. A management system in which the leucaena cȧnopy was maintained permanently out of cattle reach allowed continuous grazing of accessible forage without detrimental effects on the leucaena plants and on cattle feeding on them. Since 1974 this management system has been effectively used by the producer with the 24-ha Peru cultivar. In November 1979 a promotional program on leucaena for cattle forage commenced in central Queensland. There was an immediate response from cattle producers. In 18 months 450 ha were planted, and the area is expected to increase rapidly in the next few years. There may be several explanations for the recent commercial acceptance of leucaena. It was concluded that the main reasons were that the positive promotional program clearly defined the role and adaptation of leucaena and emphasized that its management could be simple and not in conflict with traditional practices; that establishment was inexpensive and uncomplicated; and that the inaccessible canopy ensured longevity and reliable seed production and was a valuable drought reserve. Fears of undesirable features were dispelled. The 24-ha commercial block instilled further confidence in leucaena. The reasons for adoption of leucaena in Australia may be of benefit to other countries experiencing adoption problems. The transfer of grassland research findings to ranch practice is nearly always beset with difficulties. These difficulties are more pronounced on extensive ranches with traditional practices entrenched. Research and subsequent promotion of a ranch innovation should recognize features that lead to rapid adoption, important ones being its benefits, simplicity, compatibility with existing management, and its being observable on a commercial scale. For new crops, seed must be readily available when promoted.
