b'but cross-breeding is now possible and hybrids that contain combined genetics of the three species will increasingly replace2020 HYBRID TROPICALthe existing cultivars. PASTURE SEED PRODUCTION Were trying to transform the countryside into something1471 MT TOTAL = ~1% OF TOTALthats much more productive now, like the flight of a butterfly, says Nicolayevsky. There needs to be a metamorphosis in terms of genetics.To start this metamorphosis, Nicolayevsky says that Papalotla has partnered with a breeding program at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Columbia. AccordingIpyora to Nicolayevsky, this program took an early lead and Papalotla launched the first hybrid from the program in 2001. 34%Over the years weve seen what we should focus on intermsMavunoof drought tolerance, salt tolerance, waterlogging and using46%them for integrative agriculture, Nicolayevsky says. Eckles says that there are three main interspecific Brachiaria breeding programs today: EMBRAPA, Barenbrug and CIAT/Papalotla. Barenbrug sells a hybrid licensed from Papalotla, Mulato II, but is now introducing two new hybrids from its ownMulato II 7%program and Wolf Seeds and EMBRAPA each have a hybrid Brachiaria in the market.Sabia 9%According to Eckles, Brachiaria is a naturally apomictic cropCayana 4%that produces seed without pollinationthat seed is genetically identical to the parent, and seed production involves harvesting seed from the cultivar. This means that hybrids are genetically stable and seed production does not require the crossing of distinctive lines in production fields.In addition, Eckles says the use of hybrid Brachiaria in Brazil will grow over time despite a higher seed cost due to the excel- Besides being used as a soil protection, Nicolayevsky says lent producer ROI from the improved genetics. In Mexico,that theres opportunity in Brazil to renovate current pastures Papalotla has achieved a market share of 30% with its hybridswith tropical pasture seed to become more sustainable, instead and this can be achieved in Brazil as the producers becomeof working on establishing a completely new pasture elsewhere.aware of the benefits.Brazil can double its meat production by renovating cur-Growth of the hybrid market will be driven by producerrent pasture areas, he says. Theres no need to continue going benefits, but the resulting higher seed margins have the poten- further north into the Amazon to increase pasture areas.tial to convert tropical pasture seed into a highly profitable seedIn addition, tropical pastures help Brazil produce meat and industry comparable to hybrid corn seed.dairy differently due to their genetics.These pastures are highly palatable because they have fixed Pasture Seeds for Climate Change nitrogen due to their deep roots, Nicolayevsky says. One of the game-changers about tropical pasture seed in Brazil,Those deep roots also help sequester carbon and minimize however, is the aspects it brings to the table to tackle climatethe carbon footprint produced by cattle.change. For the next 10-15 years, Nicolayevsky believes that Brazil can The first? The introduction of a new cover crop to Brazil.be used as an example to how the beef and dairy markets can Due to the intensity of the usage of soil, depending on thebecome more ecologically responsible. region in Brazil, growers can actually have two seasons, PeixotoWe have the ability to show positive effects on climate says. Meaning, in the summer, growers plant soybeans andchange, but the question becomes how can we send a message immediately after the soybean harvest, growers can plant corn.and show how to manage these pastures effectively? he says. Unfortunately, that causes strain on the soil and soil health.These new technologies in tropical pasture seed can offer an But, it opens the door to the possibility of cover crops. alternative to what has been stigmatized as a very destructive Now, growers are learning to use cover crops with the corn,form of livestock production.he says.There needs to be a narrative change of how to intensify By using tropical pasture seed as that cover crop and pro- pasture management to reap the benefits of the new higher tecting their soil, growers can introduce a third crop to their farm:yielding hybrids thus minimizing the need to open new areas cattle.for pasture, Nicolayevsky says. If we dont concentrate on the The tropical pasture seed can give the land a rotational cropissue of pasture, theres not going to be the need to sell tropical and an opportunity to rest, Nicolayevsky says.pasture seed in 10 years.SW16/ SEEDWORLD.COMSEED ASSOCIATION OF THE AMERICAS 2022'