Maximizing genetic gains using a plant model in the Tedera (Bituminaria bituminosa var. albomarginata and var. crassiuscula) breeding program in Australia

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

2010

Conference Title

The contributions of grasslands to the conservation of Mediterranean biodiversity - Options Méditerranéennes : Série A. Séminaires Méditerranéens; n. 92

Keywords

Breeding methods, Mixed models, Drought tolerance, Forage legumes

Disciplines

Agronomy and Crop Sciences

Abstract

Bituminaria bituminosa var. albomarginata (albo tedera) and var. crassiuscula (teide tedera) are self-pollinated herbaceous drought tolerant perennial forage legumes. These species have the ability to remain green without shedding their leaves during summer/autumn in dry Mediterranean climates providing valuable out-of-season feed. In June 2008, three spaced plant nurseries of 1900 plants each were established in the 350 mm annual rainfall zone of the Western Australian wheat-belt at Buntine, Merredin and Newdegate. A total of 19 entries were utilized in these nurseries: 17 tedera accessions; Medicago sativa L. (SARDI 10) and Dorycnium hirsutum Ser. (TAS001). Visual scores of plant size were taken in November 2008 (three sites), before and after each grazing in May 2009 (Buntine and Newdegate) and August 2009 (three sites). Leaf retention was measured in the peak of water stress in March 2009 before the start of the rainy season. Selection of Individual plants using individual traits and using a multivariate index was based on a mixed model. The mixed model incorporated the experimental design as well as possible spatial variation. The additive and non-additive genetic effects were included by using a constructed pedigree and a factor analytic model was used to estimate the variances of the traits and correlations between traits. Non-additive effects were zero; therefore selection of best plant was based on additive genetic effects only.

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