Description
The aim of the breeding program at the National Beef Cattle Research Center (CNPGC) of the Brazilian Corporation for Agricultural Research (EMBRAPA), is to produce vigorous apomictic hybrids with wide edaphic adaptation, good production and nutritive value combined with spittlebug (Homoptera:Cercopidea) resistance. Fiftysix superior hybrids were selected based on visual estimates of vigor, leafiness, tolerance to drought and natural spittlebug infestation in the field. These were characterized for mode of reproduction, spittlebug reaction under controlled conditions and for morphological diversity using nine selected traits. Multivariate analysis classified the population into seven groups where the hybrids were clearly intermediate in plant architecture when compared to parental types. Eight hybrids displayed resistance to spittlebug under controlled conditions and sixteen were found to be susceptible. Twenty seven reproduce sexually and twenty five are apomictic. Their potential as new cultivars will be determined following agronomical evaluation and grazing studies.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Selection of Interspecific Hybrids of Brachiaria-A Tropical Forage Grass
The aim of the breeding program at the National Beef Cattle Research Center (CNPGC) of the Brazilian Corporation for Agricultural Research (EMBRAPA), is to produce vigorous apomictic hybrids with wide edaphic adaptation, good production and nutritive value combined with spittlebug (Homoptera:Cercopidea) resistance. Fiftysix superior hybrids were selected based on visual estimates of vigor, leafiness, tolerance to drought and natural spittlebug infestation in the field. These were characterized for mode of reproduction, spittlebug reaction under controlled conditions and for morphological diversity using nine selected traits. Multivariate analysis classified the population into seven groups where the hybrids were clearly intermediate in plant architecture when compared to parental types. Eight hybrids displayed resistance to spittlebug under controlled conditions and sixteen were found to be susceptible. Twenty seven reproduce sexually and twenty five are apomictic. Their potential as new cultivars will be determined following agronomical evaluation and grazing studies.
