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Genetic Stability of ‘Kenland’ Red Clover During Seed Multiplication 1
Author(s) -
Taylor Norman L.,
May R. G.,
Decker A. M.,
Rincker C. M.,
Garrison C. S.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1979.0011183x001900040002x
Subject(s) - biology , forage , germplasm , agronomy , genetic gain , genetic variation , horticulture , biochemistry , gene
Foundation and certified seed lots of ‘Kenland’ red clover ( Trifolium pretense L.) produced in the western U.S., Kentucky, and Japan were evaluated in Kentucky, Indiana, and Maryland in comparison with Kentucky produced breeder seed to determine the frequency and significance of genetic shifts. Genetic shift toward lower yield and less persistence generally occurred with advancing generation, and was more pronounced in seed lots produced in the southern locations (California and Kentucky). No advantage of third year over second year breeder seed was shown either in performance of the seed lots or their progenies. However, third year certified seed from the southern latitudes was generally less productive than second year seed, presumably because of more opportunity for differential selection in an area of greater genetic shift. Differences in performance of foundation and certified seed lots could not be associated with their parental seed lots. Performance of lots was generally similar at the three evaluation locations except that plant type scores at Indiana were not correlated with yields at the other locations or with regrowth height scores at Indiana. Plant type scores may not be a valid technique for measurement of genetic shifts in Kenland red clover. Percent bloom at Kentucky, and regrowth height at Indiana both in the second year were strongly correlated with forage yields suggesting the use of these efficient non‐laborious ratings for detecting genetic shifts in Kenland. Larger amount of bloom (earliness) was negatively correlated with forage yield corroborating the hypothesis that earlier blooming types are less persistent and lower yielding than late types. In the northern locations longer day length possibly allowed more equal blooming and seed production among genotypes than at southern locations. Measures to insure genetic stability in Kenland red dover should include restriction of seed multiplication to northern locations and strict adherence to present seed certification standards.