The Use of Genebank Accessions in the Breeding Programme of Lolium perenne

Abstract

Using genetic resources could add some valuable genes to the genepool used in the breeding programme. In 2005 we carried out paircrosses between material from the breeding pool and 30 accessions from the ECP/GR Lolium core collection with the aim of enhancing the heterosis and introducing valuable genes. The accessions were selected based on geographical spreading of the collection sites, on the genetic diversity analysed by AFLP markers and on the data generated on the Lolium core collection experiment. The F1 seeds from the paircrosses were multiplied to synthetic progeny families in 2007. From 23 multiplications we obtained enough seeds to sow a yield trial in May 2008. The trial was cut five times in 2009 and 2010. The dry matter yield was measured and the rust resistance and sod density were evaluated. In 2009 samples were taken at all cuts to determine the contents of water soluble carbohydrates, digestible organic matter and crude protein. None of the progenies performed better than the standard varieties (Aberavon, Barata, Cancan and Premium). Only one of the progenies had a total dry matter yield that was similar to the total dry matter yield of the standard varieties. The progenies of the crossings between the genebank accessions and the breeding material showed no heterosis effect on dry matter yield. Within the five best performing progenies we will carry out further selections.