Track 4-1-2: Breeding Cultivated Forage Species for Biomass, Quality and Stress Tolerance
Description
Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is a temperate perennial legume capable of producing high quality forage throughout the year. The plant also contains sufficient concentrations of vitamins and most minerals for all classes of livestock. Livestock production can be substantially increased by using lucerne. It is a persistent, productive as well as heat and drought resistant crop which provides better and wet seasons. It tolerates short spell of drought but not water logging and high humidity in the rainy season. Cultivated lucerne is an out crossing auto- tetraploid plant developed by combining different M. sativa and M. falcate germplasm sources in order to maximize heterosis and to secure multiple pest resistance (Gherardi et al., 1998).
Included in
Assessment of Fodder Production Potential of Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) Genotypes for Sustainable Live Stock Production
Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is a temperate perennial legume capable of producing high quality forage throughout the year. The plant also contains sufficient concentrations of vitamins and most minerals for all classes of livestock. Livestock production can be substantially increased by using lucerne. It is a persistent, productive as well as heat and drought resistant crop which provides better and wet seasons. It tolerates short spell of drought but not water logging and high humidity in the rainy season. Cultivated lucerne is an out crossing auto- tetraploid plant developed by combining different M. sativa and M. falcate germplasm sources in order to maximize heterosis and to secure multiple pest resistance (Gherardi et al., 1998).
