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Selection for Seedling Vigor in Astragalus cicer L. 1
Author(s) -
Townsend C. E.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1974.00021962006600020018x
Subject(s) - seedling , germination , biology , forage , agronomy , selection (genetic algorithm) , horticulture , computer science , artificial intelligence
The use of cicer milkvetch ( Astragalus cicer L.) as a forage legume is restricted because of relatively poor seedling vigor. If sufficient variation exists within the species for seedling vigor, it may be possible to improve this character through a breeding program. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine (1) the variability in speed of seed germination and total germination in the laboratory at two alternating temperature treatments, 5–20 C and 15–25 C; (2) the variability in speed of seedling emergence and total emergence in the greenhouse and field; and (3) the relationships among these characters. About 80 polycross progenies, representing 3 basic breeding populations, were evaluated. The populations comprised polycross progenies selected for superior, average, and below‐average vigor. Highly significant differences existed among progenies for speed of seed germination and seedling emergence over all environments. Simple correlation coefficients between the various characters generally were significant, but of a relatively low predictive value. There is a great need for a laboratory technique that will give a reliable measure of seedling vigor under field conditions. Variation among progenies for seedling vigor was large enough to indicate that improvement can be made in cicer milkvetch for this character.