BREEDING AND GENETICS OF FORAGE CROPS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY, QUALITY AND INDUSTRIAL USES
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Farmers and producers should benefit from the development of new forage varieties with better persistence, yield, grazing tolerance and pest resistance. The development of long-term, sustainable biomass production systems will diversify agricultural systems, provide environmental protection, and economic return to producers.
OBJECTIVES: 1) Evaluate new plant characters and develop germplasm and cultivars with these characters to improve perennial forage species as livestock feed and biofuel uses to enhance rural vitality and promote more secure energy sources. 2) Build on previous research to evaluate additional breeding methods for improving yield and persistence of alfalfa, red clover, orchardgrass, and other forage species to make production agriculture more economical and sustainable.
APPROACH: We will be investigating the long-term sustainable biomass production potential of grass-grass and grass-forb mixtures in cooperation with six states. We will be evaluating breeding methods and experimental populations of various forage species for improved persistence and productivity.
KEYWORDS: biomass; birdsfoot trefoil; forage; panicum virgatum; lotus; lotus corniculatus; plant genetics; plant breeding; productivity; forage quality; industrial uses; pre harvest; perennial plants; germplasm; cultivars; feed; fuel; energy sources; dactylis glomerata; sustainable agriculture; forage grasses; forbs; forage persistence; forage yields; grazing tolerance; plant pest resistance
PROGRESS: 2006/01 TO 2006/12
Planning discussions continued in 2006 for investigating long-term sustainable biomass production of grass-grass and grass-forb mixtures with trials being initiated in winter 2006-07 with dormant seedings or in spring, 2007 if adequate seed sources are available. Evaluations under grazing of Lotus corniculatus are continuing, cooperators at other locations are still being pursued. Evaluation of breeding methods and experimental populations of various forage species for improved yield, quality, and persistence are continuing.
IMPACT: 2006/01 TO 2006/12
Producers benefit from the development of new forage varieties with improved persistence, yield, quality and pest resistance by supplying a reliable and economical source of protein, minerals and energy to their livestock. The development of long-term, sustainable biomass production systems will diversify agricultural systems, provide economic returns to producers, and provide environmental services ranging from soil stabilization to improved wildlife habitat.
PUBLICATIONS (not previously reported): 2006/01 TO 2006/12
Ehlke, N.J. 2006. Forages. In: Minnesota Varietal Trials Results. Minnesota Agric. Expt. Sta., Minnesota Report MP 110-2006.
PROJECT CONTACT:
Name: Ehlke, N. J.
Phone: 612-625-1791
Fax: 612-625-1268
Email: nancy@umn.edu
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