Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
The results obtained at the Forage Crops Institute of Lodi concerning binary grass-legume associations are discussed. The experiments were realized either in greenhouse or in field with different techniques. Varieties were grown in association and in pure stand. The nature of inter-specific interference proved to be the same as the intra-specific interference; its interpretation is based on the biological density hypothesis (Rotili, 1979). Within the grass-legume associations situations of competition with overcompensation are created alternatively in favour of one species or the other, depending upon their earliness and biological cycle. The overcompensation effects are cumulated, bringing to an agronomical advantage of mixtures over pure stands. From this series of experiments the conclusion is drawn that it is not allowed to speak about genetic ability to association of the species. The performance of a variety in mixture is regulated chiefly by its biological environment, the effect of which is displayed as density effect. Therefore, it is not necessary to use schemes of co-selection of the two partners for creating varieties to be associated. It is sufficient to improve the species independently and to associate varieties equally vigorous and persistent, but slightly displaced in earliness, to allow each species to display its yielding capacity without damaging the partner.
Citation
Zannone, L; Paoletti, R; Scotti, C; and Jacquard, P, "Grass-Legume Associations and Breeding for Yield" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 4.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses2/4)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Grass-Legume Associations and Breeding for Yield
Kyoto Japan
The results obtained at the Forage Crops Institute of Lodi concerning binary grass-legume associations are discussed. The experiments were realized either in greenhouse or in field with different techniques. Varieties were grown in association and in pure stand. The nature of inter-specific interference proved to be the same as the intra-specific interference; its interpretation is based on the biological density hypothesis (Rotili, 1979). Within the grass-legume associations situations of competition with overcompensation are created alternatively in favour of one species or the other, depending upon their earliness and biological cycle. The overcompensation effects are cumulated, bringing to an agronomical advantage of mixtures over pure stands. From this series of experiments the conclusion is drawn that it is not allowed to speak about genetic ability to association of the species. The performance of a variety in mixture is regulated chiefly by its biological environment, the effect of which is displayed as density effect. Therefore, it is not necessary to use schemes of co-selection of the two partners for creating varieties to be associated. It is sufficient to improve the species independently and to associate varieties equally vigorous and persistent, but slightly displaced in earliness, to allow each species to display its yielding capacity without damaging the partner.
