Breeding of alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum L.) for the conditions of Central Northern Bulgaria

Galina Naydenova

Abstract: The study was conducted from 2014 to 2017 at the experimental field of Soybean Experimental Station in Pavlikeni (43° 24’ N; 25° 32’ E; soil type leached chernozem; pH=7.1). The phenotypic variability in dry matter production and seed production, and their components was evaluated in a basic population composed of elite genotypes alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum L.), selected from accessions, originating from different regions of Europe. For the purpose of family-group selection eleven half-sib (HS) families which originated from polycross of elite plants were examined in comparison with a local population by biological, morphological and bioproductive traits. Аccording to the results there was significant (P<0.05) genotypic variation among the HS families for all tested traits. Breeding families 194/1, 191/1, 194/2, 154/1 and 22/1 manifested the best results for dry matter yield per cuts. High values for height/length of the generative stems and number of stem internodes associated to a semi-prostrate growth habit, good productivity and high plant survival were observed for families 150/1 and 228/1. By polycross of the plants surviving to third vegetation from families 194/1, 194/2, 22/1, 150/1 and 228/1 was formed a synthetic selection population.

Keywords: alsike clover; breeding; polycros; Trifolium hybridum

Date published: 2017-11-29