Abstract:

This project is part of the GERMPLASM cluster headed by QLRT-1999-30722 GENE-MINE. There is an urgent need to regenerate seed stocks of conserved germplasm of European forage grasses and legumes, but lack of knowledge has prevented development of an agreed economically and genetically effective protocol. Using a multidisciplinary approach and novel technologies, the partnership will fill part of the knowledge gap and will develop the technology required to fill the remainder. It will do so by assessing the genetic and economic impacts of the major alternative options, including varying both the location used for regeneration and the management protocol.

Genetic impacts will be assessed in terms of:

1. differential seed production by different plants within a population, partitioned into random drift and systematic shift favouring certain genotypes over others;
2. differential pollen contribution by different plants within a population; and
3. contamination with pollen from other populations.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Ruaraidh SACKVILLE HAMILTON / Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research UNITED KINGDOM

EC Scientific Officer

• European Commission DG Agriculture BELGIUM

Participant

• Arend KLEINHOUT / DLF-Trifolium A/S DENMARK
• Joaquim ROLO / Estacao Nacional de Melhoramento de Plantas PORTUGAL
• Norwegian Crop Research Institute NORWAY
• Bohumir CAGAS / OSEVA PRO Ltd Grassland Research Station / CZECH REPUBLIC
• Plant Research International NETHERLANDS