A pan-European approach to 'dissecting' stress resistance traits in the forage grasses

Michael W. Humphreys, Marc Ghesquiere, Z. Zwierzykowski, M. Rapacz, O. A. Rognli, L. Ostrem

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Proceeding (Non-Journal item)

Abstract

A new consortium (called SAGES) of European geneticists, plant physiologists, plant breeders, and seed merchants has been formed with EU funding. Perennial grassland represents 40% of the total agricultural land utilized by the EU. SAGES uses conventional breeding and the natural biodiversity of Europe's grasslands to develop high quality forage grasses adapted to diverse abiotic stresses encountered throughout Europe. SAGES uses new technology and unique opportunities provided within Lolium and Festuca species to "dissect" the complex traits associated with stress resistance. It will help develop understanding of the physiological mechanisms involved, and will provide genetic markers to select gene combinations governing desirable traits for future use in cultivar production. The new cultivars will contain functioning stable gene combinations designed to improve productivity and persistency and reduce costs of fertilizer, irrigation, and resowing. Increased productivity will benefit incomes and help maintain fragile rural communities and keep people on the land.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBreeding for stress tolerance in fodder crops and amenity grasses
EditorsP. Monjardino, A. da Câmara, V. Carnide
PublisherEUCARPIA
Pages139-145
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)972-8612-05-2
Publication statusPublished - 2001
EventProceedings of the 23rd meeting of the Fodder Crops and Amenity Grasses Section of EUCARPIA - Azores, Portugal
Duration: 01 Oct 200004 Oct 2000

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the 23rd meeting of the Fodder Crops and Amenity Grasses Section of EUCARPIA
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityAzores
Period01 Oct 200004 Oct 2000

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