Location: Dairy Forage Research
Project Number: 5090-21500-002-065-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Apr 1, 2026
End Date: Dec 31, 2027
Objective:
Objective 1: Sequence pooled DNA samples of alfalfa tissue collected from on-farm conditions before and after a winter stress event. This will provide genetic signatures for winter survival.
Objective 2: Analyze sequencing results by comparing to pre-existing winter surival datasets and survival selection signatures among farms.
Approach:
Unlike most major crops, every acre of alfalfa is a mixture millions of genetically unique individuals. Every alfalfa mortality event can create in a ‘selection signature’ within the genetics of survivors. We will collect bulk samples of alfalfa tissue and sequence pooled DNA from a range of on-farm locations and winter stress conditions to find genetic patterns which could be used to breed for improved winter survival in alfalfa.