ARS | Publication request: Managing the U.S. germplasm collection of temperate forage legumes to serve diverse collection users and global conservation

Submitted to: International Symposium on Forage, Turfgrass and Biofuel Germplasm Research
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: August 1, 2010
Publication Date: October 9, 2010
Citation: Greene, S.L. 2010. Managing the U.S. Germplasm Collection of Temperate Forage Legumes to Serve Diverse Collection Users and Global Conservation. International Symposium on Forage, Turfgrass and Biofuel Germplasm Research. p. 201-203.

Interpretive Summary: Alfalfa and other forage legume crops support livestock production around the world. Seed collections contain the raw material, called “germplasm”, that is used by breeders and scientists to develop better varieties and to better understand how forage legumes function and impact livestock and the environment. The USDA Germplasm collection of Medicago, Lotus and perennial Trifolium species contains over 15,000 accessions collected from all over the world. The Collection is carefully maintained, regenerated and documented using special procedures to ensure the long term survival of this valuable seed. Responding to our user needs, recent focus has been on addressing gaps in the collection for Medicago truncatula, a model species being used to explore legume genomics. We have also been addressing the conservation needs of alfalfa crop wild relatives in the Former Soviet Union.

Technical Abstract: Alfalfa and other forage legume crops support livestock production around the world. Breeders and scientists have long capitalized on the genetic diversity in the U.S. Temperate Forage Legume Collection to support a wide range of crop improvement and scientific inquiries. The Collection also serves to conserve forage legume diversity. The Collection is carefully maintained, regenerated and documented so it can be effectively used by a broad range of scientists. Responding to user needs, recent focus has been on Medicago truncatula, a model species for legume genomics. We have also been addressing the conservation needs of alfalfa crop wild relatives in the Former Soviet Union.