Alfalfa resistance to post-harvest Aspergillus species: Combining ability analyses
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Published:2004-10-01
Issue:4
Volume:84
Page:1193-1197
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ISSN:0008-4220
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Container-title:Canadian Journal of Plant Science
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Can. J. Plant Sci.
Author:
Kimbeng C. A.,Smith Jr. S. R.,Babij V.,Wittenberg K. M.
Abstract
Hay making is still the most widespread technique of forage preservation. Saprophytic fungi, such as Aspergillus repens, can reduce forage quality during the post-harvest period by causing hay molding. Methods to control molding have yielded variable results, but genetic resistance has yet to be exploited. The objective of this study was to determine the mode of inheritance of resistance to post-harvest fungal growth in alfalfa. Seven parental genotypes representing a range of resistance to fungal growth (A. repens) were crossed in a complete diallel including reciprocals for a total of 42 crosses. Parental genotypes along with their progeny were screened for resistance to A. repens. The relative importance of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects in controlling resistance to post-harvest A. repens was compared. The results revealed a preponderance of GCA effects. The parent that supported the least amount of fungal growth produced progeny with the least amount of fungal coverage. The reverse was true for the more susceptible parents. The results indicate that breeding procedures that maximize additive gene effects, such as recurrent selection, could be effective in improving resistance to post-harvest fungal growth in alfalfa. Key words: Alfalfa, breeding, combining ability, resistance, Aspergillis repens, post-harvest fungi
Publisher
Canadian Science Publishing
Subject
Horticulture,Plant Science,Agronomy and Crop Science