Forages: Ecology, Breeding Objectives and Procedures
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Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016. Forages are integral components of grassland and pasture agro-ecosystem. They are the major source of feed and nutrition for livestock. As primary producers, they are converted by livestock into secondary production in the food chain. Forage breeding is a complex process involving plant morpho-physiological aspects (perenniality, mode of reproduction, mating systems) and aberrant plant- environment correlations affecting plant performance under various sward conditions. The ultimate aim of forage breeding is to develop cultivars with high and sustainable herbage yield under various management systems. It also encompasses development of cultivars with beneficial impacts on ecosystem functions, animal growth and health. This chapter addresses challenges for forage producers and breeders due to rapidly diminishing grassland areas and the impact on the biodiversity of grassland ecosystems and their productivity. Approaches to conserve genetic diversity and utilize forage genetic resources in an efficient way as well as breeding procedures practical use in selected forage crops are discussed.
