Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the NE-1010 committee was hosted by committee member Heathcliffe Riday at the US Dairy Forage Research Center in Madison, WI. JoAnn Lamb USDA-ARS, St. Paul, MN was welcomed as a new member of NE-1010 committee. Meeting Site and Nominations Committee Report: Meeting site will be in Saskatoon, Canada on August 9-10, 2007 hosted by Bruce Coulman. Surya Acharya was elected chair for 2007 and JoAnn Lamb was elected secretary for 2007. Collaborative Research Reports: Objective 1. Evaluate new plant characters and develop germplasm and cultivars with these characters to improve perennial forage species as livestock feed and biofuel uses to enhance rural vitality and promote more secure energy sources. 1.1.1 Identification of traits useful for improving Medicago sativa ssp. falcata germplasm. Brummer GA-lead, AFCSF, NGPRL, SD, FRRL. Experiment is ready for publication. 1.1.2 Genetics and improvement of naturalized alfalfa (M. sativa subsp. falcata). Boe SD-lead, GA, FRRL. Experiment is ready for publication. 1.1.3 Breeding for resistance to alfalfa snout beetle in alfalfa. Viands NY-lead, AFCSF, SD. To date, we have completed three to four cycles of selection in 15 alfalfa populations. We have observed variability among progenies, suggesting that genetic variability for resistance exists at levels that should enable us to make significant progress from selection. Experiments should be complete this fall to determine progress from selection. The first segment of this experiment revealed variability among populations, but also indicated that a better experimental design is needed to determine progress from selection within a plant population. Regardless, it was a promising trend to see the average root damage rating decrease by 17% in one population (from 3.58 to 3.05 [1=no root damage, 5=dead plant]) after three cycles of selection. However, these data indicate that more selection is needed. 1.1.4 Developing alfalfa germplasm with potato leafhopper resistance from three diverse genetic sources. Viands NY-lead, GA, SD. The goal of this project is to develop germplasm with multiple mechanisms for more stable resistance to potato leafhopper (PLH). Seed of Medicago falcata SD201, which was selected for resistance to PLH in SD, subsequently was selected for resistance in NY. These selected plants were pollinated by hand as 2x X 4x crosses, using pollen from NY germplasm that had been selected for resistance to this insect. The NY germplasm originated from glandular trichome sources crossed with Peruvian germplasm that had been selected for resistance. The cross with the SD germplasm created an alfalfa population with three distinct sources of resistance in one plant population. The five hybrid plants from these crosses were intercrossed by hand, followed by a second generation of intercrossing to accomplish genetic recombination. Seed was sent to the cooperators for establishing field nurseries in 2004. Each nursery was established with about 1000 plants at each cooperating location to begin three cycles of recurrent phenotypic selection for resistance. Potato leafhopper infestations were high enough during the 2006 growing season to select the plants that were most vigorous and had the least symptoms from PLH. Plants from NY and the other cooperators will be intercrossed in the greenhouse during the winter of 2006-07. This seed will be used to establish nurseries in spring 2007 for the second cycle of selection. 1.1.5 Aluminum tolerance in tetraploid alfalfa. Acharya AFCL-lead, NY, AAFCCH, GA. This experiment was initiated during the 2004 growing season. During the first two production seasons (2005 and 2006), each plant was evaluated for seedling vigor on a scale of 1 to 10; 1 = plant dead and 10 = very vigorous plant. Phase I is progressing as planned and early variation was observed among the populations studied in this project. 1.2 Rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil for yield improvement. FRRL, AFCC, NY, SD. New York is completing the third cycle of selection for the rhizomatous trait and agronomic traits. Another study will be planned that will be planted in 2008. 1.3 Collection and evaluation of naturalized reed canarygrass populations for biofuel and forage traits. USDFRC, Casler-Lead, SD, AFCSF, KY, AFCSK, NY, MN, AAFCCH. Extensive variability has been observed for biomass production. Aggressiveness of this species may be an issue in its adoption for biofuel production. Studies are planned to be planted in 2009. 1.5.1 Selection for fiber digestibility and cell wall pectin. Viands, NY-lead, AFCSF, USDFRC. Genetic improvement in alfalfa for reduced total cell wall concentration and/or higher proportion of the more digestible cell wall components would enhance the efficiency of utilization of its high protein and dry matter digestibility by ruminants. Data reported last year indicate that NDSF concentration (pectin) can be increased in alfalfa forage by phenotypic selection, resulting in higher forage digestibility. Based on this research, we have begun selecting plants that are higher in NDSF concentration and cell wall digestibility (NDFd). During 2006, we are selecting plants from four alfalfa populations that were first selected for vigor and good agronomic traits, followed by selection for higher forage quality. 1.5.2 Grass-grass and grass-forb mixtures for long-term sustainable biomass production. Boe, SD-lead, GA, NY, MN, USDFRC. Trial in planning stages. Objective 2: Build on previous research to evaluate traditional breeding methods for improving yield and persistence of alfalfa, red clover, orchardgrass, and other forage species to make production agriculture more economical and sustainable. 2.1 Alfalfa: 2.1.1 Comparison of mass, S1, and S2 selection for forage yield: Two cycles of selection have been completed. Michaud, AFCSF-lead, NY, GA, MN, AFCSK, AFCCL. Trials to evaluate progress from selection will be established this year. Biomass data will be collected starting in 2007. 2.1.2 Clonal selection in multiple environments to improve forage yield. Viands, NY-lead, AFCSF, GA, AFCL. A broad-based alfalfa population was developed by two generations of random mating among Seedway 9558 (from NY), 5454 (sent by IA), and SF 9001=AC Viva (from AFCSF). Progenies were grown during winter 2003-04 to produce 200 genotypes. Stem cuttings were made and sent to the cooperators to establish a nursery at each location. Each nursery consists of three replicates of each of the 200 genotypes. Each genotype-replicate row has three ramets. For each of three harvests in each of two production years, data were recorded for the number of plants, forage yield, and disease symptoms. The first cycle of selection should be complete at the end of the 2007 growing season. Cooperators will send their data to D. Viands so that the highest yielding genotypes (10% = 20 genotypes) across all the locations can be selected. Seed will be produced on these plants in the greenhouse during winter of 2007-08. In 2008, 200 random plants from this seed will be cloned to establish nurseries for the second cycle of selection in 2009. Each cooperator also will produce their own populations within their locations for both the replicated clonal selection and phenotypic selection. 2.2.1. Orchardgrass clonal selection for broad adaptation: Phillips KY-lead, GA, AFCL, AFCSF, AFCSK, SD. Three source populations available (IA, KY, SK). 400 genotypes clonally replicated are being maintained in KY awaiting shipment for transplanting in 2007. 2.3 Red clover: 2.3.1 Selection for general adaptation in red clover: Papadopoulos, AFCC-lead, NY, AFCSF, AFCSK, KY, SD, GA, USDFRC. Phase II of this project was initiated during the 2005 growing season. NE1010-C0 seeds were supplied to 10 cooperating sites. One thousand plants of NE1010-C0 were established at all 10 locations. In the transplant year, a standard management protocol was followed to insure good crop establishment. During the first production season (2006), each plant was evaluated for seedling vigor on a scale of 1 to 10; 1 = plant dead and 10 = very vigorous plant. 2.3.2 Selection for persistence in red clover using half-sib families: Riday USDFRC-lead, GA, SD, AFCCH. Four locations planted in WI (USDFRC), two locations planted in IA and one location planted in SD and PEI. Yield, height, maturity, and persistence measures were taken in 2006. In 2007 focus will be on top 10-20 HS-families for individual plant evaluation for yield. Persistence notes will continue to be taken. 2.4 Legume/Grass Mixtures. Compatibility of legumes with various grasses. Brummer GA-lead, USDFRC, SD. Birdsfoot trefoil plants were selected in fall of 2005 and sent to Iowa for intercrossing and cycle-1 seed production. Cycle-1 seed produced in 2006. Objective 3: Evaluate new experimental populations and cultivars of perennial forage species for characteristics necessary for breeders, seed companies, seed and forage producers, and crop consultants to make decisions on commercial use over large regions. 3.1: Alfalfa: Evaluation of new selected M. sativa ssp. falcata populations: Brummer GA-lead, AFCSF, NGPRL, SD, USDFRC, FRRL, NY. Data collection will begin in 2005. Sward plots (SD, USDFRC, and GA), single row plots (AFCSF, NGPRL, SD, USDFRC, FRRL, NY, and GA) and grazing plots (USDFRC and GA) are being evaluated. Traits measured include yield, height, flower color, leaf hopper resistance, and stand. 3.3: Multiple species: Brummer GA-lead, NY, AFCSF, AFCC, PSWMRL, KY, SD, NGPRL, WI. Evaluation of cultivars and germplasms under grazing with the objective being the evaluation of new cultivars and advanced breeding materials. 3.4: Meadow and hybrid bromegrass: Evaluation of meadow and hybrid bromegrass: Coulman AFCSK-lead, AFCSF, AFCCH, SD, USDFRC. This experiment was initiated during the 2004 growing season. This project is progressing as planned and early differences were observed among the populations studied in this project. 3.5: Red clover evaluation: Response to selection under controlled environment versus natural selection under field conditions. Papadopoulos AFCCH-lead, AFCSF, AFCSK, AFCL, AFCA, NY, KY, USDFRC, SD. Phase III of this project was initiated during the 2005 growing season. Seeds from six new synthetics, the original seed population and appropriate check cultivars were supplied to each of the above locations in the spring of 2005. Also included in this trial are several new red clover synthetics recently developed by three red clover breeders participating in the NE1010 initiative. Plots were harvested with a plot harvester and herbage yield was recorded throughout the first production year (2006).

Objective 1: (1) Useful traits have been identified in Medicago sativa ssp. falcata germplasm; (2) Three cycles of selection for resistance to the alfalfa snout beetle has been completed and the germplasm will be tested in regional trials; (3) Alfalfa populations that contain three distinct sources of genetic resistance to potato leafhopper yellowing show good levels of tolerance; (4) the genetic mapping of agronomic traits in alfalfa is completed and the manuscripts have been submitted for publication; and (5) selection criteria were identified to increase digestibility by altering fiber digestibility and cell wall pectin while maintaining or increasing yield in timothy and alfalfa. Objective 2: (1) Two cycles of selection comparing effectiveness of mass, S1, and S2 selection were completed and progenies were planted at multiple sites for testing; (2) additional studies have been initiated using clonal selection for improving forage yield in alfalfa and general adaptation in orchardgrass; (3) Studies in red clover are underway to examine persistence; and (4) selection for compatibility of birdsfoot trefoil with and without orchardgrass was completed in 2005. Evaluation of the selection program will begin in 2007 or 2008. Objective 3: (1) Evaluation are underway of new, selected M. sativa ssp. falcata from previous evaluations (NE 144) for forage yield, growth habit, regrowth potential, and potato leafhopper resistance at numerous locations as single row plots, sward plots, and grazing plots; and (2) numerous evaluations of cultivars, germplasms, and advanced breeding materials is being evaluated under grazing or in forage plots at numerous locations.

Hansen, J.L., D.R. Viands, R. Deubler, J. Neally, E. Thomas, J. Yaeger, and M. Davis. 2006. Forage varieties. In Cornell Field Crops Guide. http://www.fieldcrops.org/ Hansen, J.L., D.R. Viands, R. Deubler, J. Neally, E. Thomas, J. Yaeger, and M. Davis. 2006. New York forage legume and grass yield trails summary for 2006. http://plbrgen.cals.cornell.edu/programsandprojects/departmental/foragetest/ Hansen, J.L., D.R. Viands, R. Deubler, J. Neally, E. Thomas, J. Yaeger, and M. Davis. 2006. New York alfalfa variety yield data. In Alfalfa Variety Comparison. U. of WI. http://www.uwex.edu/ces/ag/alfalfa/ Hansen, J.L., D.R. Viands, R. Deubler, J. Neally, E. Thomas, J. Yaeger, and M. Davis. 2006. New York 2006 alfalfa variety trial results. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/cm/trials/ Tecle, I.Y., D.R. Viands, J.L. Hansen, and A.N. Pell. 2006. Response from selection for pectin concentration and indirect response in digestibility of alfalfa. Crop Sci. 46:1081-1087. Tsao R., Y.A. Papadopoulos, R. Yang, J. C. Young, K.B. McRae. 2006. Isoflavone Profiles of Red Clovers and their Distribution in Different Parts Harvested at Different Growing Stages. J. Agric. Food Chem. (In Press)