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Project

Red clover breeding (RODEKLAVER)

Main research question/goal
Red clover is a perennial, protein-rich forage legume that improves soil quality through nitrogen fixation. The crop has a low persistence and is sensitive to a number of diseases, such as mildew (Erysiphe trifolii), clover rust (Uromyces trifolii) and clover rot (Sclerotinia trifoliorum). The aim of the program is to create improved varieties through conventional breeding. Important selection traits are forage yield, disease resistance, the capacity to survive for multiple years in the field and high seed yield. Both diploid and tetraploid varieties are bred.
Research approach
Red clover is bred through family selection, and the most distinctive characteristics of the ILVO red clover breeding program are the strong selection for Sclerotinia resistance and high seed yield. In-depth analysis of the genetic control of seed yield is carried out and the results are implemented in breeding. In the breeding program plants from different origins are crossed and selection is performed for forage yield, disease resistance, and seed yield. After three cycles of intense selection, elite families are combined into new candidate varieties. Multiple varieties and candidate varieties are evaluated in field trials for yield and persistence. High yielding candidate varieties are submitted to official instances in charge of variety testing and registration.
Relevance/Valorisation
Research results are translated into the development of improved varieties that benefit agriculture, including the organic sector. This may contribute to a more generalized use of red clover, which will increase crop diversification in Flanders, and decrease our dependency on industrial nitrogen fertilizer and imported protein crops.
Date:1 Jan 2012 →  Today
Disciplines:Phytopathology, Agricultural plant breeding and biotechnology, Plant genetics