HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Kehr, W. R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Kehr, W. R. Agricola Articles by Kehr, W. R.

Cross-Fertilization of Alfalfa as Affected by Genetic Markers, Planting Methods, Locations, and Pollinator Species¹

Studies were made to determine the extent of crossfertilization of alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., involving genetic markers, planting methods, locations, field cages and isolations, pollinator species, and their interactions. Crossing between alfalfa populations by honeybees, as measured in white- and yellow-flowered populations, varied from 32 to 96%. The average crossing in noninbred populations was about 50%.

Crossing percentages were similar for alternate row and alternate plant methods of planting in Idaho and Nebraska and for a yellow-flowered population in California. However, crossing percentages were significantly higher with the alternate plant method than with the alternate row method of planting for a white-flowered population in both caged and uncaged areas in California and for another white-flowered population in California cages.

Crossing percentages were similar in caged and uncaged isolations in Nebraska. Honeybee pollination in California and leafcutter bee pollination in Idaho resulted in 50.5 and 51.0% cross-fertilization, respectively, averaged over kinds of field isolation, planting methods, and markers used at both locations.

Key Words: Alfalfa breeding • Alfalfa pollination • Cross-pollination

² Research Agronomist, ARS, USDA, and Professor of Agronomy, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68503.

Received for publication September 8, 1972.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				H. Riday and E. C. Brummer Registration of Two Improved Yellow-Flowered Alfalfa Germplasms Journal of Plant Registrations, September 1, 2007; 1(2): 131 - 133. [Full Text] [PDF]