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Inbreeding Medicago sativa L. by Sib-mating I. Cross-, Sib-, and Self-Fertility¹

Sib-mating without selection was compared with selling as a method of inbreeding alfalfa. Through two generations, the drastic loss in fertility following self-fertilization was reduced by approximately half through the slower form of inbreeding (sib-mating).

In two populations, (a) a random population of noninbred ‘Vernal’ and (b) a composite S₁ population derived from Vernal, self-fertility was significantly correlated with sib- and cross-fertility. Heritability estimates indicated that fertility was highly heritable.

Inbreeding coefficients were computed for the several levels of inbreeding attained and, in general, the reduction in fertility observed was much greater than that expected in an autotetraploid species. Reasons for the rapid loss in fertility following inbreeding and the possibilities for continuing sib-mating for several more generations are discussed.

Key Words: otetraploid • self-fertilization • fertility • out-crossing • self-incompatability • generations • inbreeding depression

² Formerly Research Associate (now Assistant Professor, Agronomy Department, University of Maryland, College Park, Md.) and Professor, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State Univ., Ames, Iowa.

Received for publication December 19, 1966.