Description

The objectives of this study were to develop a more persistent germplasm of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) and to evaluate its potential use in Uruguay. Two cycles of phenotypic recurrent selection were done under field conditions. Eight hundred and 1600 spaced plants were established for the first and second cycle of selection. Both nurseries were visually assessed for crown rot, relative growth, plant habit and foliar diseases. The final selection of the breeding population LE 65-56 includes thirty six plants selected from sixteen elite families. This selection was more persistent and productive than the check varieties in plot evaluation. On average, LE 65-56 produced 12%, 16% and 114% more forage than cv. San Gabriel in the first, second and third year, respectively. Selecting for crown health and relative growth in the spaced plant nurseries increased persistence and forage yields in plots under cut.

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Breeding for Persistence in Lotus Corniculatus

The objectives of this study were to develop a more persistent germplasm of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) and to evaluate its potential use in Uruguay. Two cycles of phenotypic recurrent selection were done under field conditions. Eight hundred and 1600 spaced plants were established for the first and second cycle of selection. Both nurseries were visually assessed for crown rot, relative growth, plant habit and foliar diseases. The final selection of the breeding population LE 65-56 includes thirty six plants selected from sixteen elite families. This selection was more persistent and productive than the check varieties in plot evaluation. On average, LE 65-56 produced 12%, 16% and 114% more forage than cv. San Gabriel in the first, second and third year, respectively. Selecting for crown health and relative growth in the spaced plant nurseries increased persistence and forage yields in plots under cut.