ARS | Publication request: Breeding for increased persistence in pasture legumes

Submitted to: Forage Focus
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: March 1, 2008
Publication Date: March 1, 2008
Citation: Riday, H. 2008. Breeding for increased persistence in pasture legumes. Forage Focus Magazine, Midwest Forage Association. March, 2008. p 3-4.

Technical Abstract: Improving pasture legume persistence or longevity has been a goal of plant breeders for years. At the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, the legume breeding program emphasizes non-alfalfa pasture legumes. Ideally, grazed forage intake should be around 30% forage legume DM. Forage legumes are a good protein source for animals and nitrogen source for the soil. Due to various natural conditions and management practices, grasses persist better than legumes in pastures. However, progress is being made towards keeping legumes in pastures for longer periods. Examples of current research include: a study which showed that 50 years of breeding for increased persistence in hay conditions has led to a concurrent increase in persistence in rotationally grazed stands; using near infrared spectroscopy to predict seedling establishments; release of a new kura clover germplasm kura1; and release of the birdsfoot trefoil variety 'WITT'.