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 Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Busbice, T. H. Articles by Hanson, C. H. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Busbice, T. H. Articles by Hanson, C. H. Agricola Articles by Busbice, T. H. Articles by Hanson, C. H.

Selection for Improving Creeping-Rooted Characteristics in Alfalfa¹

A phenotypic recurrent selection program for creeping-rooted character in alfalfa was described. A random mating population, designated NCCrl, was obtained from selected segregates of crosses between Canadian creepers and adapted noncreepers. Normally, primordial domes are initiated on lateral roots the first growing season, but two growing seasons are required for expression of creeping-rooted character. Four cycles of selection, using primordial domes as a criterion for creeping, failed to increase the frequency or amount of creeping. However, a fifth cycle of selection based upon actual creeping after 2 years in the field doubled the frequency and extent of creeping.

All cycles of NCCrl were inferior to ‘Cherokee’ (adapted noncreepinig cultivar) in spring vigor, yield, and recovery after cutting. However, after five cycles of selection many creeping plants had upright growth, leaf shape, and vigor similar to that of Cherokee. In the last cycle of selection, creeping and vigor were positively correlated, indicating that these characters can be genetically combined.

Key Words: Medicago sativa • Adventitious stem • Genetic recombination

² Research Agronomist, CR, ARS, USDA, Raleigh, N. C. 27607 and Beltsville, Md., respectively.

Received for publication October 24, 1968.