METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR IMPROVING FORAGE PRODUCTION OR QUALITY IN ALFALFA PLANTS

摘要

The disclosure relates to the alfalfa FLOWERING LOCUS T (MsFT) gene. Provided by the disclosure are modified plants that express the MsFT gene. Also provided by the disclosure are methods and compositions for down-regulating the expression of the polypeptide encoded by the MsFT gene, including methods employing RNA interference and genome-editing. Still further provided by the disclosure are modified alfalfa plants that exhibit down-regulated expression of the polypeptide encoded by the MsFT gene, delayed flowering, improved vigor, and improved forage yield or quality.