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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » Corn Insects and Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #149839
Title: QUANTITATIVE TRAIT LOCUS MAPPING OF WINTER HARDINESS IN AUTOTETRAPLOID ALFALFA (M. SATIVA)

Author
item ZUNIGA, ALARCON - UNIVERS AUTONOMA CHAPINGO
item Scott, Marvin
item MOORE, K - ISU
item LUTH, D - ISU
item BRUMMER, E - ISU

Submitted to: International Symposium of Molecular Breeding of Forage Turf
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/18/2003
Publication Date: 5/18/2003
Citation: ZUNIGA, A., SCOTT, M.P., MOORE, K.J., LUTH, D., BRUMMER, E.C. QUANTITATIVE TRAIT LOCUS MAPPING OF WINTER HARDINESS IN AUTOTETRAPLOID ALFALFA (M. SATIVA). International Symposium of Molecular Breeding of Forage Turf. 2003. https://www.register-for.com/mbft/AbstractView.Asp?AbstractId=Abstract2b44.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Alfalfa is often an important component in the diets of ruminant livestock. Alfalfa is a perennial crop, so it¿s ability to survive the winter with minimal injury is an important agronomic trait. Generally, winter hardiness is negatively correlated with yield, so it is difficult to produce high yielding varieties that are not susceptible to winter injury. The genetic and biochemical factors controlling winter hardiness are complex and poorly understood. The objective of this study was to identify correlations between the chemical composition of alfalfa plants and winter hardiness, and to identify genetic loci that control chemical composition and winter hardiness. The information presented here will help scientists understand the biochemical basis of winter hardiness and will facilitate the breeding of high-yielding alfalfa with improved winter hardiness. Ultimately, this will decrease the cost of feed for ruminant livestock producers.