Towards intra-population improvement of alfalfa yield and persistence

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most important forage crop in the world, regarding growing area and economic value, because of its high yield level, good persistence, high protein content and energy value. In alfalfa, concept of intra-population breeding means direct selection for yield, through recurrent phenotypic selection using some form of progeny testing. Significant differences between genotypes were found for green forage and dry matter yields. The observed variation for both yield traits was much higher at population level than for the selected plants that will form new improved population. In the next steps of breeding process selected plants will be intercrossed in isolation to develop a new, improved population. Alfalfa breeding programs should focus on yield per se, with the use of old and new knowledge on the genetic control of yield and with adaptation of existing or developing new breeding procedure.