IL-13-106 (IC0613360; INGR15026), a Berseem {Trifolium alexandrinum L.) Germplasm with Black Seeds and Pentafoliate Leaf

摘要

Berseem (Egyptian clover, Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is one of the most important winter season fodder crop. Because of narrow genetic base of the crop, interspecific hybridization using embryo rescue technique was attempted to generate variability and transfer of traits like disease resistance, quality, longevity, yield etc. Several interspecific hybrids of T. alexandrinum with different related wild species were developed at Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (Roy et al, 2004; Malaviyaet al, 2004; Kaushal et al, 2005). Hybrids of T. alexandrinum x T. apertum (both parents were yellow seeded and trifoliate) were generated which showed segregation for black seeded and pentafoliate traits in F2 generation. Selected plants were advanced and by recurrent selection line combining pentafoliate with black seeds (RHS no. black202A) were developed. Thus, anovel genetic stock, viz., black seeded pentafoliate berseem, was identified. Progeny lines of this novel genetic stock were planted to analyse the stability of these two traits. Progeny lines showed 100% penetrance for both traits while >95% expressivity was observed for pentafoliate trait. Due to black colour the seeds are expected to contain higher tannin content in its seed coat, which may confer better tolerance to pathogens in the early stagesof seedling development. Additionally, the pentafoliate nature is a distinct morphological trait and can be used in breeding programme to enhance productivity and studies in leaves morphogenesis. Further to mention that black (dark tan) seeded pentafoliate berseem has never been reported. In future, it might serve as a marker in various intra and interspecific crosses. This novel genetic stock of berseem with black-seed and pentafoliate leaves could potentially be used for basic studies as well as genetic improvement programme in berseem crop (Anonymous 2013).