Publication Date
1993
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" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 17.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session8/17
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Carbon Isotope Discrimination and Productivity of Yellow-Flowered Falcata Alfalfa ClonesJ
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.
