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Integrating Molecular Techniques to Maximise the Genetic Potential of Forage Legumes

  • Conference paper
Molecular Breeding of Forage Crops

Part of the book series: Developments in Plant Breeding ((DIPB,volume 10))

Abstract

Genetic gains from forage legume breeding have exceeded 1% per year for white clover but are more variable for alfalfa and red clover depending on the trait. A change from synthetic to hybrid varieties would provide better control of economic traits in most out-crossing forage species. New breeding strategies that capture heterosis are essential in forage legumes with historically slow yield improvement and where producing hybrids is difficult. More emphasis is needed on characterisation and evaluation of genetic resources, particularly to identify heterotic groups, using both classical and molecular methods. Application of molecular marker- and genomics-based techniques will advance our understanding of the genetic control underpinning phenotypic traits. Markers will be used to understand and capture heterosis, to identify quantitative trait loci, to develop detailed genetic linkage maps, to introgress unique genetic variation from conventional and transgenic sources, to conduct marker-assisted selection, and to determine the factors involved in genotype by environment interactions. In conjunction with international genomics efforts in higher plants, economically important phenotypes will ultimately be linked through their underlying physiology and metabolism to the genes responsible for them. Combining molecular genetic innovations with strong population improvement programs will enable the maximum genetic potential of forage legumes to be realised.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. AgResearch Grasslands, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, New Zealand

    D. R. Woodfield

  2. Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA50011, USA

    E. C. Brummer

Authors
  1. D. R. Woodfield
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  2. E. C. Brummer
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Plant Biotechnology Centre, Agriculture Victoria, Melbourne, Australia

    German Spangenberg

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© 2001 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Woodfield, D.R., Brummer, E.C. (2001). Integrating Molecular Techniques to Maximise the Genetic Potential of Forage Legumes. In: Spangenberg, G. (eds) Molecular Breeding of Forage Crops. Developments in Plant Breeding, vol 10. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-9700-5_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-9700-5_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-481-5676-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-015-9700-5

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