NE144: Forage Crop Genetics and Breeding to Improve Yield and Quality

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[07/05/2001] [09/08/2003]

Date of Annual Report: 07/05/2001

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 08/01/2001 - 08/01/2001
Period the Report Covers: 01/01/2000 - 12/01/2000

Participants

COOPERATING AGENCIES AND PRINCIPAL LEADERS:

U.S. State Aericultural Experiment Stations
lowa (IA)	E.C. Brurnmer*
Kansas State University (KS)	P. St. Amand*
Kentucky (KY)	N.L. Taylor*, T.D. Phillips
Minnesota (MN)	N.J. Ehlke*
New York﷓Con~ell (NY)	D.R. Viands*, J.L. Hansen
South Oakota (SD)	A.R. Boe*
West Virginia (WV)	J A. Balasko,
USDA/A~ricultural Research Service
Appalachian Soil and Conservation	P,W. Voigt*
Research Laboratory (ASWCRL)
National Forage Seed Production Research Center (NFSPRC)	R.E. Barker*
Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory (NGPRE)	J.D. Berdahl.
Pasture Systems and Watershecl Management	D.L. Gustine
Research Unit (PSWMRU)
Plant Genetics Research Unit (PGRU)	P.R. Beuselinck
U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center (USDFRC)	R.R. Smith
Caneda
Agriculture and Agri﷓Food Canada
Charlottetown(AFCC)	B.R. Christie*
Nappan (AFCN)	Y.A. Papadopoulos*
St. Foy (AFCSF)	R. I\Iichaud*
University of Manitoba﷓Wirtnipeg (WP)	S.R. Smith*
Aministrative Advisor	W.R. Coffiman
USDA/CSREES Representative	A.M Thro
*Voting member

Brief Summary of Minutes

Steven R. Alm (stevealm@uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;

Paul Backman (pbackman@psu.edu) - Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station;

Mark J. Carroll (mc92@umail.umd.edu) - University of Maryland;

J. Marshall Clark (jclark@ent.umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts;

Bruce B. Clarke (clarke@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University;

Richard S. Cowles (rcowles@caes.state.ct.us) - Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station;

J. Scott Ebdon (sebdon@pssci.umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts;

Steven Fales;

Karl Guillard (karl.guillard@uconn.edu) - University of Connecticut;

Richard J. Hull (rhu6441@postoffice.uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;

Noel Jackson;

Peter J. Landschoot (pj11@psu.edu) - The Pennsylvania State University;

Pim Larsson-Kovach (il11@cornell.edu) - Cornell University;

James Lin - USEPA;

Bill Meyer (wmeyer@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University;

Kevin Morris - NTEP;

Bridget Ruemmele (bridgetr@uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;

Mike Sullivan (senmike@uriacc.uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;

Patricia Vittum (pvittum@ent.umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts

Accomplishments

PROGRESS OF THE WORK AND PRINCIPAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS Objective 1: Identify plant characters appropriate for use as selection criteria for genetically improving stability, quality, and productivity of hay, silage, and pasture crops. 1.1 Birdsfoot trefoil. Convergent-divergent selection for root and crown rot resistance: Resistant selections to Pratylenchus penetrans were crossed in Nova Scotia and a small amount of seed produced. seeds were shipped to cooperators in NY, MN, and WI. Evaluation of the first cycle of selection will be done in greenhouse and field-testing. In NY, three cycles of selection for resistance to Fusarium oxysporum wilt attained a 3S % increase in resistance. The NY population was released as the cultivar ‘Pardee‘ and certified seed will be sold in spring, 2001. Introgression of rhizomes into improved populations: Field nurseries of birdsfoot trefoil established in 1999 by cooperators have been evaluated for the rhizomatous trait. Plants will be dug by cooperators this fall and in 2001 and sent to MO for evaluation. 1.2 White clover. Identification of white clovcr traits important for grass compatibilitv and broad adaptation: Data from collaborators in I9ova Scotia, IA, and WV will be completed in 2000 and will be analyzed in 2001. Nearly 2000 vegetative collections of white clover were made in 1999 from 63 different locations in the Central Appalachian region. 1.3 Forage quality. Selection of improved cell wall pectin concentration in alfalfa: A breeding program was initiated in NY to increase pectin concentration in four alfalfa populations. Plants will be selected for higher vigor, lower NDF concentrations, and higher NDSF concentrations. A similar program to increase nonstructural carbohydrate concentration is underway in WV. 1.4 Alfalfa. Identification of traits useful for improving Medicago sativa ssp. falcata germplasm: Collaborators in IA, Canada, ND, SD, WV, and KS have completed evaluations of the 97-accession test population. E.C. Brummer is analyzing the data and developing a manuscript. Pure yellow- and a variegated-flowered populations have been developed, random mated in the greenhouse, and will be screened for desirable plants. 1.5 Molecular Markers. Identifying molecular markers useful for forage improvement: In order to identify QTL markers in a Medicago sativa X M. fakata cross, about 200 vegetative progeny propagates were established in NY, IA, and KS along with parents and check cultivars in 1999. Forage yield data were taken in 2000, Plant height, growth habit, and multileaf expression were also evaluated. About 100 RFLP loci were placed on the parental maps. AFLP markers arc being mapped for two anthracnose resistance genes. Preliminary QTL identification is underway. Genetic variation within and arnong white clover collections and cultivars from the US and Canada was evaluated using RAPD genomic DNA markers. A UPGMA dendrogram demonstrated two closely related groups of T. repens populations: one group consisted of GA, IA, PA, and PEI collections and the second group consisted of a WV collection and cultivars ‘Regal, ‘Sacramento‘, and ‘Will‘. By comparison, the alsike clover cultivar ‘Aurora‘ (T. hybridum )was separated from the T. repens collections and cultivars. D.L. Gustine is analyzing the data and developing a manuscript. Objeethre 2: Develop and modify breeding methods for use in improving broadly-adapted germplasm of forage crops. 2.1 Alfalia. Phenotypic and genotypic selection methods for improving alfalfa yield: This breeding project was completed and a first draft manuscript to report the results was prepared by B. R. Christie. In NY, KS, and IA, germplasm for the second cycle of mass and S1 progeny selection were transplanted to a field in June 2000, Comparison of mass. S1. and S2 selection: S2 progenies from each S1 row will be selected for vigor in fall 2000. Cycle 1 material will be intercrossed in 2001, followed by two generations of selfing. 2.2 Orchard grass and perennial ryegrass. Nothing to report. Objective 3: Develop and evaluatc experimental populations and cultivars for use in sustainable, integrated, crop-livestock production systems. 3.1 Kurs clover. Nothing to report. 3.2 Orchard grass: Evaluation of convergent-divergent orchard grass populations: This work was completed and data will be analyzed and published. 3 3 Birdefoot trefoil: Evaluation of birdsfoot trefoil populations selected for resistance to the crown and root rot complex using convergent-divergent selections: Data collection was completed in 1999 and a manuscript is under development by R.R. Smith. Field nurseries of birdsfoot trefoil were established in l 999 by cooperators and have been evaluated for the rhizomatous trait. Plants will be dug this fall and in 2001 and sent to MO for evaluation. 3.4 Alfalfa: Evaluation of alfalfa populations developed for resistance to the alfalfa snout beetle: Alfalfa plants in a replicated space-plant trial established in 1998 in NY were evaluated for root damage by the alfalfa snout beetle (Otiorhychus ligustica). Al1 plants were susceptible, but statistically significant variation in resistance was found. A recurrent selection for resistance screen will be initiated in the most resistant populations. A system is being developed with Cornell entomologists to screen for resistant alfalfa plants in the greenhouse. Resistant plants from these screens will be sent to NE-144 cooperators for yield and persistence testing at multiple field locations. USEFULNESS OF FINDINGS: The NE-144 Multistate Committee fosters an environment conducive to collaboration in developing and testing germplasm at a wide range of locations. The results of these projects have significant outcomes for forage breeders and forage producers. A number of improved populations expressing broad geographic adaptation have been developed for birdsfoot trefoil, orchard grass, alfalfa, and white clover. Though complete evaluations of these new populations will not be concluded for several years, information on new crops, e.g,, kura clover, is being expanded throughout a wide geographic area. This committee facilitates organizing these wide area evaluations. This committee produces information on breeding methodologies and develops strategies for determining the most efficient production of improved varieties. Several methods have been analyzed in recent years in alfalfa. Finally this committee will produce previously unknown molecular markers useful for more efficient and quicker development of new varieties. STATEMENT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The NE 144 Multistate Committee has accomplished three broad objectives. First, we have developed improved experimental populations of birdsfoot trefoil, orchard grass, alfalfa, and white clover. After sufficient evaluation, we expect that some populations could be released as cultivars. The improved disease resistance, forage, and seed yield, and broad geographic adaptation of these cultivars will help producers manage risk and sustain profitability. Second, we have evaluated a number of alternate breeding methods for alfalfa, orchard grass, and perennial ryegrass in order to identify method most effective for producing improved cultivars. This research will indirectly help producers by allowing breeders be more efficient during the cultivar development process. Third, the committee has evaluated germplasm of alfalfa for agronomic qualities and cultivars of kura for adaptation. This research will assist breeders in utilizing the genetic variability existing in these species as they develop improved cultivars. The NE-144 Multistate Committee has allowed forage breeders from the Midwestern and eastern US and eastern Canada to pursue the breeding end evaluation of various forage crops, limiting duplication, and maximizing returns on research investment. WORK PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR: During the next year, cooperators on the NE-144 Multistate Committee will collect data on continuing research projects. These include: i) identification of white clover traits important for grass compatibility; ii) identification of traits useful for improving M. sativa ssp. fatcata germplasm; iii) identification of molecular markers useful for forage improvement; iv) development of selection methods for improving alfalfa forage yield; v) comparison of mass, S1, and S2 selection in alfalfa; and vi) evaluation of new screening methods for rating resistance of alfalfa to the alfalfa snout beetle.

Publications

PUBLICATION ISSUES OF MANIJSCRIPTS APPROVED DURING THE YEAR Refereed Journals Beuselinck, P.R. and R.L. McGraw. 2000. Vestigial corolla in glowers of birdsfoot trefoil. Crop Sci. 40:964-967. Brummer, E.C., M.M. Shah, and D. Luth. 2000. Reexamining relationship between fall dormancy and winter hardiness in alfalfa. Crop Sci. 40:971-977. Casler, M.D., K.P. Vogel, J.A. Balasko, J.D. Berdahl, D.A. Miller, J.L. Hansen, and J.O. Fritz. 2000. Genetic progress from 50 years of smooth bromegrass breeding. Crop Sci. 40:13-22. English, J.T. and P.R. Beuselinck. 2000. Methods for valuating birdsfoot trefoil for susceptibility to foliar and shoot blight caused by Rhizoctonia spp. Crop Sci. 40:841-843. Gustine, D.L. and D.R. Huff. 1999. Genetic variation within and among white clover populations from managed permanent pastures of the northeastern U.S. Crop Sci. 39 :524-530 Kimpinski, J., Y.A. Papadopoulos, B.R. Christie, K. B.. McRae, and C.E. Gallant. 2000. lnvasion and reproduction of Pratylenchus penetrans in birdsfoot trefoil cultivars. Phytoprotection 80 179-184. Michaud, R. and G.F. Tremblay. 1999. Assessment of crude protein degradation in alfalfa (Medicago sativa). 1999. p. 140-145 Proc. XIII Eucarpia Medicago spp Group Meeting, 1316 September 1999. Perugia, Italy. Staley, T.E. and P.W. Voigt. 2000. Methodological considerations for elucidating low-level limiting effects on white clover symbiosis establishment in an acidic soil model system. Soil Sci. 165:567-S77. Steiner, J.J. and P.R. Beuselinck. 2000. Registration of ARS- 1221 big trefoil germplasm. Crop Sci. 40:1204-1205. Stcincr, J.J. and P.R. Beusclinck. 2000. Registration of ARS-1207 narrow leaf trefoil gemplasm. Crop Sci. 40:1205. Tremblay, G.F., R. Michaud, G. Belanger, K.B. McRae, and H.V. Petit. 2000. In vitro ruminal undegradable proteins of alfalfa cultivars. Can. J. Plant Sci. 80:312-325. Non-Refereed Publications Beuselinck, P.R. 2000. Lotus spp. as model systems for nematode resistance studies in soybean. p. 73. Proc. Boroconf. "Molecular genetics of model legumes, 24-28 June 2000. Norwich, UK. Bleusclinck,P.R. 2000. LotusNewsletter. Vol.31.(www.psu.missouri.edu/lnl/) Beuselinck,P.R. 2000. Lotusjaponicus homepage. Vol.2. (www.psu.missouri.ed~lul/ljaponicus2/lj.htm) Byers, R.A., G.A. Pederson, and P.W. Voigt. 2000. Evaluating white clover for resistance to Sitona hispidulus larva. p. 5. Proc. Sixteenth Trifolium Conf. Gustine, D.L. and M.A. Sanderson. 2000. Molecular analysis of white clover population structure in grazed swards. p. 12. Proc. Sixteenth Trifolium Conf. Hansen, J.L., C.L. Morehouse, D.R. Viands, and S.M. Haner. 2000. 2000 Forage crop data summaries. Plant Breeding Mimeo 00-3. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. Hansen, J.L., D.R. Viands, S.M. Haner, and C.L. Morehouse. 2000. Cornell University/ New York State Porage yield trials summary-2000: Company and Extension Report. Plant Breeding Mimeo 00-4. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. Hansen, J.L., D.R. Viands, S.M. Haner, and C.L. Morehouse. 2000. Cornell University/New York State Forage yield finals summary-2000: Producer Report. Plant Breeding Mimeo 00-5. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. Voigt, P.W. 2000. White clover collections from central Appalachia. p. 23. Proc. Sixteenth Trifolium Conf. Voigt, P.W., K.E. Turner, and D.R. Morris. 1999. Grazing tolerance of elite white clover germplasm in Appalachia. Agron. Abstr. 91:71.

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 09/08/2003

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 09/26/2002 - 09/27/2002
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/1997 - 09/01/2002

Participants

Brummer, E.C. - Iowa State Univ.; St. Amand, P. - Kansas State Univ.; Taylor, N.L. - Univ. of Kentucky; Phillips, T.D. - Univ. of Kentucky; Ehlke, N.J. - Univ. of Minnesota, St. Paul; Viands, D.R. - Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Hansen, J.L. - Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Boe, A.R. - South Dakota State Univ., Brookings; Balasko, J.A. - West Virginia Univ.; Voigt, P.W. - USDA/ARS; Barker, R.E. - USDA/ARS; Berdahl, J.D. - USDA/ARS; Gustine, D.L. - USDA/ARS; Beuselinck, P.R. - USDA/ARS; Smith, R.R. - USDA/ARS; Peel, M. - USDA/ARS; Papadopoulos, Y.A. - Agric. & Agri-Food Canada; Michaud, R. - Agric. & Agri-Food Canada; Coulman, B. - Agric. & Agri-Food Canada; Smith, R. - Univ. of Manitoba, Winnipeg; Coffman, W.R. - Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; Thro, A.M.-USDA/CSREES Representative

Brief Summary of Minutes

The Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit (PSWMRU) and Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, hosted the Annual meeting of NE144 on September 26, 2002. R. Michaud chaired the business portion of the meeting. The members of the committee presented the highlights of the current research activities under NE144. Discussion centered on activities that should be completed with the NE144 project and others that will be continued or created under the newly approved NE1010 project. A. Boe and M. Peel were elected respectively chairman and secretary for the next meeting.

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

The NE-144 Multistate Committee fosters an environment conducive to collaboration in developing and testing at a wide range of locations cultivars and germplasm of birdsfoot trefoil, orchardgrass and alfalfa expressing broad geographic adaptation, disease and insect resistance, seed/forage yield, and forage quality. The results of this project have significant outcomes for forage breeders and forage producers. A number of improved cultivars and experimental populations expressing broad geographic adaptation have been developed for birdsfoot trefoil, orchard grass, alfalfa, timothy, and white clover. Though complete evaluations of these new populations will not be concluded for several years, information on new crops, e.g,, kura clover, is being expanded throughout a wide geographic area. This committee facilitated organizing these wide area evaluations. This committee evaluated alternate breeding methods for alfalfa, orchardgrass and perennial rye grass in order to identify the most effective methods for producing improved cultivars. Several methods have been analyzed in recent years in alfalfa. Finally this committee has produced previously unknown molecular markers useful for more efficient and quicker development of new varieties.

Publications

1998: Beuselinck,P.R.. 1998. Birdsfoot trefoil seed production: a historical analysis. pp.351-360. In Fairey, D.T. and Hampton, J.G. (ed.) Forage Seed Production: vol. I, Temperate species. CAB International Monograph, Wallingford, UK Brummer, E.C. 1998. Molecular and cellular technology in forage improvement: An overview. p. 1-10. In E.C. Brummer, N.S. Hill, and C. Roberts. Molecular and cellular technology in forage improvement. CSSA, Madison, WI. Casler, M. D., K. P. Vogel, J. A. Balasko, D. A. Miller, J. D. Berdahl, J. L. Hansen, and J. O. Fritz. 1998. Genetic progress from 50 years of smooth bromegrass breeding. Agron. Abstr. Eizenga, G. C. and T. D. Phillips. 1998. Release of thirteen monosomic, tall fescue genetic stocks. Crop Sci. 38:554-555. Fonseca, C. E. L. 1998. Breeding for neutral detergent-soluble fiber and associations among forage quality traits, vigor, and disease resistance in alfalfa. Ph.D. Dissertation. Cornell Univ. 123 pp. Fonseca, C. E. L., D. R. Viands, J. L. Hansen, A. N. Pell, J. E. Miller-Garvin, and E. M. Thomas. 1998. Associations among forage quality traits, disease resistance, and vigor in alfalfa. 36th North Amer. Alfalfa Improv. Conf., 2-6 August 1998, Bozeman, MT. p. 73. Gebrehiwot, L. and Beuselinck, P.R Cyanogens and condensed tannin. concentrations in three Lotus species. Am. Soc. Agron. Agron. Abst. p. 144. ASA, CSSA, SSSA, Madison, WI. 1997. Genrich, K.C., C.C. Schaeffer, and N.J. Ehlke. 1998. Kura clover growth and development during the seeding year. Crop Sci. 38: 735-741. Hansen, J. L., C. L. Morehouse, and D. R. Viands. 1998. 1998 Forage crops data summaries. Plant Breeding Mimeo 98-3. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. Kallenbach, R. L. , R. L. McGraw, P. R. Beuselinck, and P. A. Balatti. 1998. Rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil exhibits a unique response to nitrogen-free conditions. Agronomy J. 90:709-713. Nualsri, C., and P.R. Beuselinck. 1998. Rhizomatous Lotus corniculatus L. IV. Inheritance of rhizomes. Crop Sci. 38:1175-1179. Nualsri, C., P.R. Beuselinck, and J.J. Steiner. 1998. Rhizomatous Lotus corniculatus L. Ill. Introgression of rhizomes into autogamous germplasm. Crop Sci. 38:503-509. Phillips, T. D., G. C. Eizenga, J. F. Pedersen, and P. B. Burrus, Jr. 1998. Registration of KY 07G23-334 and KY 07G23-336 orchardgrass germplasms. Crop Sci. 38:559. Phillips, T. D., G. C. Eizenga, J. F. Pedersen, and P. B. Burrus, Jr. 1998. Registration of KY-Leafy timothy germplasm. Crop Sci. 38:566. Roberts, C.A., Karr, A.L., Beuselinck, P.R. and Shaffer, W.H. Constitutively-expressed chitinases in birdsfoot trefoil and relationship to Rhizoctonia resistance. Am. Soc. Agron. Agron. Abst. p. 101. ASA, CSSA, SSSA, Madison, WI. 1997. Smith R.R. 1998. Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M.B.): A forage legume with great potential for pasture and conservation. Proc. 21st Meeting of Fodder Section of EUCARPIA. Breeding for a Multifunctional Agriculture (eds.) B. Boller and F.J. Stadelmann. pp. 87-90. Swiss Fed. Res. Sta. Agroecology and Agr., Zurich-Reckenholz, Switzerland. Smith, R.R. and D.K. Sharpee. 1996. Red clover and birdsfoot trefoil strain trials In Wisconsin. US Dairy Forage Research Center Mimeo. Madison, WI. Smith, R.R., and C.R. Grau. 1998. Selection for resistance to Mycoleptodiscus terrestris in red clover and trefoil. 1998 Agron. Abst. p. 73. Smith, R.R., C.R. Grau, and D.K. Sharpee. 1998. Selection for resistance to the northern root-knot nematode in red clover. Proc. XV Trifolium Conf., June 10-12, 1998. p.22. Madison, WI. Smith, R.R., C.R. Grau, and L.E. Gray. 1998. First report of Mycoleptodiscus terrestris infecting forage legumes and soybeans in Wisconsin. Plant Dis. 82: 126. Taylor, N.L. and R.R. Smith. 1998. Kura Clover (Trifolium ambiguum M.B.) Breeding, Culture,, and Utilization. Adv. Agronomy 63:153-178. Voigt, P.W. and D.R. Morris. 1998. Growth of the white clover core collection on acid and limed soil. Agron. Abstr. p. 162. Voigt, P.W., H. Godwin, and D.R. Morris. 1998. Effects of four acids soils on root growth of white clover seedlings using a soil-on-agar procedure. Plant Soil 205; 51-56. Voigt, P.W., K.E. Turner, and D.R. Morris. 1998 Grazing tolerance of white clover germplasm in Appalachia. Proc. Fifteenth Trifolium Conference. p. 35. 1999: Banuelos, G. S. and Beuselinck, P.R. 1999. Using Lotus for phytoremediation of selenium under saline conditions in central California. 2nd Int. Lotus Symp., 1-7 Aug. 1999, St. Louis, MO. XIV Int. Bot. Congr. Abstr. p. 30. Beuselinck, P.R. 1999. Lotus Newsletter. Vol. 30. (www.psu.missouri.edu/lnl) Beuselinck, P.R. 1999. Reproduction in Lotus spp.: A diverse array of survival tactics. 2nd Int. Lotus Symp., 1-7 Aug. 1999, St. Louis, MO. XIV Int. Bot. Congr. Abstr. p. 31. Beuselinck, P.R. 1999. Some thoughts on interactions of birdsfoot trefoil with companion grasses. Working Group on Pasture Ecology Newsl. 22:16-17. Beuselinck, P.R. 1999. The Lotus japonicus Homepage. Vol. 1. (www. psu. missouri. edu/1nl/lotusjaponicus/lj. htm) Beuselinck, P.R. 1999. Trefoil: The Science and technology of Lotus. Beuselinck, P. R. (ed.). CSSA Special Publication 28. 266 p. ASA, and CSSA, Madison, WI. Collins, M. and N. L. Taylor. 1999. Establishment of kura clover and red clover on surface mine spoil and soil. Intern. J. Surface Mining, Reclamation and Environment 13:1-5. Fonseca, C. E. L., D. R. Viands, J. L. Hansen, and A. N. Pell. 1999. Associations among forage quality traits, vigor, and disease resistance in alfalfa. Crop Sci. 39:1271-1276. Fonseca, C. E. L., J. L. Hansen, E. M. Thomas, A. N. Pell, and D. R. Viands. 1999. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy prediction and heritability of neutral detergent soluble fiber in alfalfa. Crop Sci. 39:1265-1270. Gustine, D.L. and D.R. Huff. 1999. Genetic variation within and among white clover populations from managed permanent pastures of the northeastern U.S. Crop Sci. 39 :524-530. Hansen, J. L., C. L. Morehouse, D. R. Viands, and S. M. Haner. 1999. 1999 Forage crops data summaries. Plant Breeding Mimeo 99-3. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. Hansen, J. L., D. R. Viands, S. M. Haner, and C. L. Morehouse. 1999. Forage crops yield trial summaries. Plant Breeding Mimeo 99-2. Michaud, R. and G.F. Tremblay. 1999. Assessment of crude protein degradation in alfalfa (Medicago sativa). 1999. p. 140-145 Proc. XIII Eucarpia Medicago spp Group Meeting, 13-16 September 1999. Perugia, Italy. N.L. Taylor, and R.E. Mundell. 1999. Registration of multiple cotyledon red clover genetic marker stock; L38-1485. Crop Sci. 39:1259. Spitaleri, R., J.C. Henning, N.L. Taylor, G.D. Lacefield, D.C. Ditsch, and R.E. Mundell. 1999. The 1998 Red Clover Report. U.K. Agric. Exp. Sta. Prog. Rept. 412:1-7. Taylor, N.L., R. Spitaleri, J.C. Henning, G.D. Lacefield, D.C. Ditsch, and R.E. Mundell. 1999. The 1998 Kura Clover Report. U.K. Agric. Exp. Sta. Prog. Rept. 419:1-3. Venuto, B.C., R.R. Smith, and C.R. Grau. 1999. Selection for resistance to Fusarium wilt in red clover. Can. J. Plant Sci. 79: 351-356. Voigt, P.W., K.E. Turner, and D.R. Morris. 1999. Grazing tolerance of elite white clover germplasm in Appalachia. Agron. Abstr. 91:71. Werisma, D.W., R.R. Smith, and M.J. Wood. 1999. Red clover variety performance in four management systems. Agron. Abstract p. 2000: Altier, N.A., N.J. Ehlke, and M. Rebuffo. 2000. Divergent selection for resistance to Fusarium root rot in birsfoot trefoil. Crop Sci. 40: 670-675. Beuselinck, P.R. 2000. Lotus spp. as model systems for nematode resistance studies in soybean. p. 73. Proc. Euroconf. "Molecular genetics of model legumes, 24-28 June 2000. Norwich, UK. Beuselinck, P.R. and R.L. McGraw. 2000. Vestigial corolla in flowers of birdsfoot trefoil. Crop Sci. 40:964-967. Beuselinck,P.R. 2000. Lotusjaponicus homepage. Vol.2. (www.psu.missouri.ed~lul/ljaponicus2/lj.htm) Beuselinck,P.R. 2000. LotusNewsletter. Vol.31.(www.psu.missouri.edu/lnl/) Brummer, E.C., M.M. Shah, and D. Luth. 2000. Reexamining relationship between fall dormancy and winter hardiness in alfalfa. Crop Sci. 40:971-977. Byers, R.A., G.A. Pederson, and P.W. Voigt. 2000. Evaluating white clover for resistance to Sitona hispidulus larva. p. 5. Proc. Sixteenth Trifolium Conf. Casler, M.D., K.P. Vogel, J.A. Balasko, J.D. Berdahl, D.A. Miller, J.L. Hansen, and J.O. Fritz. 2000. Genetic progress from 50 years of smooth bromegrass breeding. Crop Sci. 40:13-22. English, J.T. and P.R. Beuselinck. 2000. Methods for valuating birdsfoot trefoil for susceptibility to foliar and shoot blight caused by Rhizoctonia spp. Crop Sci. 40:841-843. Fjellstrom, R.G., Beuselinck, P.R., Steiner, J.J. Inheritance and linkage of RFLP, PCR, and isozyme markers in Lotus corniculatus. Proceedings of Inter. Plant & Animal Genome VIII Conference. San Diego, California. 2000. p. 123. Gustine, D.L. and M.A. Sanderson. 2000. Molecular analysis of white clover population structure in grazed swards. p. 12. Proc. Sixteenth Trifolium Conf. Hansen, J. L., C. L. Morehouse, D. R. Viands, and S. M. Haner. 2000. 2000 Forage crops data summaries. Plant Breeding Mimeo 00-3. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. Hansen, J. L., D. R. Viands, S. M. Haner, and C. L. Morehouse. Cornell University/New York State Forage Yield Trials Summary-2000: Company and Extension Report. Plant Breeding Mimeo 00-4. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. Hansen, J. L., D. R. Viands, S. M. Haner, and C. L. Morehouse. Cornell University/New York State Forage Yield Trials Summary-2000: Producer Report. Plant Breeding Mimeo 00-5. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. Kimpinski, J., Y.A. Papadopoulos, B.R. Christie, K. B.. McRae, and C.E. Gallant. 2000. lnvasion and reproduction of Pratylenchus penetrans in birdsfoot trefoil cultivars. Phytoprotection 80 179-184. Staley, T.E. and P.W. Voigt. 2000. Methodological considerations for elucidating low-level limiting effects on white clover symbiosis establishment in an acidic soil model system. 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Impact Statements

The improved disease and insect resistance, forage and seed yield, broad geographic adaptation, and forage quality of these cultivars will help producers manage risk and sustain profitability.
We have evaluated a number of alternate breeding methods for alfalfa, orchardgrass, and perennial ryegrass in order to identify methods most effective for producing improved cultivars. This research will indirectly help producers by allowing breeders to be more efficient during the cultivar development process.
The committee has evaluated germplasm of alfalfa for agronomic qualities and cultivars of kura for adaptation. This research will assist breeders in utilizing the genetic variability existing in these species as they develop improved cultivars. The NE-144 Multistate Committee has allowed forage breeders from the Midwestern and eastern US and eastern Canada to pursue the breeding and evaluation of various forage crops, limiting duplication, and maximizing returns on research investment.