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Photosynthesis of 22 Alfalfa Populations Differing in Resistance to Diseases, Insect Pests, and Nematodes¹

Breeders have successfully produced alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) lines with resistance to a number of insect, disease, and nematode pests. Little is known about the effect of selection for pest resistance on photosynthetic capacity. In this study, carbon dioxide exchange rates of alfalfa populations previously selected for resistance to diseases, insects, and nematodes were compared with the populations from which they were developed. No statistically significant differences in carbon dioxide exchange rates were observed among 22 alfalfa lines grown in a glasshouse and measured in controlled environment chambers at 24 C, 75% relative humidity and 34 klux illuminance. Apparently, selection for pest resistance did not affect the photosynthetic capacity and, with one exception, did not affect leaf area of alfalfa.

Key Words: Net carbon dioxide exchange • Photosynthetic potential • Recurrent selections • Medicago sativa L. • Leaf area

² Plant physiologist, Light and Plant Growth Lab., ARS-USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705.

Received for publication January 21, 1976.