New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research abstracts
Selection of morphological traits to improve forage characteristics
of Setaria sphacelata grown in Florida
L. Jank
Embrapa Beef Cattle
CxP.154
CEP 79002-970 Campo Grande
MS, Brazil
liana@cnpgc.embrapa.br
K. H. Quesenberry
L. E. Sollenberger
D. S. Wofford
Agronomy Department
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, USA
P. M. Lyrene
Horticultural Sciences Department
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, USA
Abstract A genetically diverse population of Setaria
sphacelata was developed at Gainesville, Florida by intercrossing
the cultivars ‘Narok’, ‘Kazungula’ and ‘Solander’ and a local
persistent population. To determine heritability of traits that may
improve setaria as a forage plant in Florida, progeny of the
intercrossed population underwent two cycles of selection for
inflorescence number and one cycle for leaf width. The selected
populations, together with cultivars and introductions, were evaluated
for morphological characters, yield and forage quality in field
experiments with close- and wide-spaced plants. Increase of
inflorescence number was not obtained by selection but resulted in
decreased plant height, inflorescence length, yield, leaf width, and
leafiness. Leaf width was increased by selection and was associated
with increased leafiness and whole-plant crude protein content. The
results suggest good prospects for selection of setaria cultivars
suited to Florida with improved yield and quality providing they
tolerate winter cold and reliably produce seed.
Keywords breeding; leaf width; inflorescence
number; forage production; forage quality
A06037; Online publication date 2 March 2007; Received 7 June 2006;
accepted 17 November 2006
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 2007, Vol. 50:
73 - 83
0028 - 8233/07/5001 - 0073 © The Royal Society of New Zealand
2007
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