Archived
This content is available here strictly for research, reference, and/or recordkeeping and as such it may not be fully accessible. If you work or study at University of Kentucky and would like to request an accessible version, please use the SensusAccess Document Converter.
Publication Date
1993
Location
New Zealand
Description
Although genetic variation for water•use efficiency has been identified in a number of plant species, progress to genetically increase this trait has been limited, largely owing to the difficulty in evaluating numerous genotypes. Eleven clones of yellow-flowered, falcata-type alfalfa (Medicago saliva L. ssp. falcata (L.) Arcangeli} were grown in the greenhouse under 2 watering regimes, and in space•planted field plots for 2 years. Clonal variation was found in all 4 environments for plant yield and shoot carbon isotope discrimination (A), a trait believed to estimate plant water use efficiency. Generally nonsignificant correlations between A and forage yield suggest that selection for higher water-use efficiency in alfalfa through selection for low A may not lead to lower productivity in favourable environments.
Citation
Morgan, J A.; Lecain, D R.; and Townsend, C E., "Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Productivity of Yellow-Flowered Falcata Alfalfa ClonesJ" (1993). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 17.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session8/17)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Productivity of Yellow-Flowered Falcata Alfalfa ClonesJ
New Zealand
Although genetic variation for water•use efficiency has been identified in a number of plant species, progress to genetically increase this trait has been limited, largely owing to the difficulty in evaluating numerous genotypes. Eleven clones of yellow-flowered, falcata-type alfalfa (Medicago saliva L. ssp. falcata (L.) Arcangeli} were grown in the greenhouse under 2 watering regimes, and in space•planted field plots for 2 years. Clonal variation was found in all 4 environments for plant yield and shoot carbon isotope discrimination (A), a trait believed to estimate plant water use efficiency. Generally nonsignificant correlations between A and forage yield suggest that selection for higher water-use efficiency in alfalfa through selection for low A may not lead to lower productivity in favourable environments.
