Pasture plant improvement in South Africa is reviewed. Before 1910 only introduction and evaluation took place but shortly after 1910 selections were made from tall fescue introductions. Early breeding programmes were established at Prinshof, Potchefstroom, Grahamstown and later Rietondale. Significant progress was made only after a concerted effort at Cedara since 1965 which resulted in the release of Midmar Italian Ryegrass and Karkloof Cocksfoot. Legume breeding was only initiated at Cedara during 1976 and rapid progress has been made towards the development of Dusi white clover, a deep rooted Aluminium tolerant clover adapted to dryland conditions.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.