Description
A germplasm collection of the Medicago sativa complex was evaluated to select genotypes possessing traits possibly conferring adaptation to grazing. Deep-crowned plants, either creeping-rooted or rhizomatous, were found with different frequencies, in all “taxonomic” groups examined. Although belonging to subsp. sativa, “mielga” wild populations from Spain were closer to subsp. falcata for morpho-physiological traits. Deep-crowned plants could be categorised into four top-growth models, to which corresponded a fairly distinct underground morphology: three were rhizomatous and one creeping-rooted. Cultivars selected for creeping-rootedness did not outyield rhizomatous populations of subsp. x varia which, in turn, had better spreading ability. In a subsequent evaluation, clones from selected rhizomatous genotypes had higher yield and better spreading ability than those from selected creeping genotypes. Under the given conditions, expression of creeping-rootedness was always erratic. The results point to the opportunity to pay greater attention to rhizomatous types in breeding grazing-tolerant cultivars.
Citation
Piano, E; Pecetti, L; and Romani, M, "Selecting Lucerne (Medicago Sativa Complex) for Traits Conferring Adaptation to Grazing" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 9.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session4/9
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Selecting Lucerne (Medicago Sativa Complex) for Traits Conferring Adaptation to Grazing
A germplasm collection of the Medicago sativa complex was evaluated to select genotypes possessing traits possibly conferring adaptation to grazing. Deep-crowned plants, either creeping-rooted or rhizomatous, were found with different frequencies, in all “taxonomic” groups examined. Although belonging to subsp. sativa, “mielga” wild populations from Spain were closer to subsp. falcata for morpho-physiological traits. Deep-crowned plants could be categorised into four top-growth models, to which corresponded a fairly distinct underground morphology: three were rhizomatous and one creeping-rooted. Cultivars selected for creeping-rootedness did not outyield rhizomatous populations of subsp. x varia which, in turn, had better spreading ability. In a subsequent evaluation, clones from selected rhizomatous genotypes had higher yield and better spreading ability than those from selected creeping genotypes. Under the given conditions, expression of creeping-rootedness was always erratic. The results point to the opportunity to pay greater attention to rhizomatous types in breeding grazing-tolerant cultivars.
