Importance of progeny testing in Alfalfa breeding (Medicago sativa L.)

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to assess the importance and effectiveness of progeny tests that can be used in alfalfa breeding for increased green forage yields and shoot number per plant. A total of 35 alfalfa genotypes of different geographic and genetic origins were analyzed. The results of the study have shown that crossing full-sib or half-sib parents leads to a significant increase in yield and shoot number per plant. Significant inbreeding depression was observed in the S1 progenies of all the genotypes involved. The choice of alfalfa parents must be based on progeny analysis. Which particular method will be used will depend on the objective of the breeding program.