Location: Forage and Range Research
Title: Breeding and genetics of forages for semi-arid and arid rangelandsAuthor
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Submitted to: Agronomy Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/6/2021 Publication Date: 4/19/2021 Citation: Robins, J.G. 2021. Breeding and genetics of forages for semi-arid and arid rangelands. Agronomy Journal. 11(4). Article 718. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11040718. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11040718 Interpretive Summary: Plant breeding is necessary to develop plant materials that are appropriately adapted to semiarid and arid rangelands. These improved plant materials must possess adequate establishment and persistence under harsh conditions to ensure soil protection and provide consistent animal feed. This special issue describes ongoing and future plant breeding research and results. Technical Abstract: Rangeland agriculture is a critical source of livelihood and agricultural outputs across vast areas of the world. Unfortunately, these lands are fragile and often suffer from severe disturbance and mismanagement. This problem is further exacerbated by the uncertainties of climate change. To maintain the environmental and economic sustainability of rangeland agriculture requires appropriate plant materials developed through the plant breeding process. These improved plant materials must exhibit rapid establishment, persistence, grazing tolerance, and drought tolerance, among other traits. This special issue of Agronomy, “Breeding and Genetics of Forage for Semi-arid and Arid Rangelands”, provides a thorough overview of the historical and current status of worldwide rangeland plant breeding. Topics include traditional plant breeding, the importance of genotype × environment interaction for plant breeding and evaluation, and the potential of molecular biology to improve rangeland plant breeding through genomic and marker-assisted approaches. |
