Protein fractions as influenced by cultivars, stage of maturity and cutting dates in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Author(s):  
Jordan Markoviæ ◽  
Mirjana Petroviæ ◽  
Dragan Terziæ ◽  
Tanja Vasiæ ◽  
Ivica Kostiæ ◽  
...  

This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between CNCPS (Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System) protein fractions and in vitro RUP (Rumen Undegradable Protein) concentration and the variability of protein fractions among alfalfa cultivars grown in Serbia. Two cultivars of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) – Serbian cv K 28 and American cv G + 13R + CZ were sampled at three stages of maturity. Comparing the two cultivars of alfalfa (K 28 vs. G + 13R + CZ) means, there were significant differences in all protein fractions. Two investigated alfalfa cultivars differed significantly (p less than 0.01) in RUP content, cv G + 13R + CZ was higher in RUP than cv K 28. Stage of maturity had an effect on proportions of the protein fractions. From a nutritional and breeding point of view, cultivar such as G + 13R + CZ is desirable because it combine higher CP (Crude Protein) values with lower protein degradability than cv K 28.

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 937-941
Author(s):  
Sharad Vats ◽  
Preeti Mehra

Background: Vector-borne diseases are quite prevalent globally and are one of the major causes of deaths due to infectious diseases. There is an availability of synthetic insecticides, however, their excessive and indiscriminate use have resulted in the emergence of resistant varieties of insects. Thus, a search for novel biopesticide has become inevitable. Methods: Rotenoids were isolated and identified from different parts of Medicago sativa L. This group of metabolites was also identified in the callus culture, and the rotenoid content was monitored during subculturing for a period of 10 months. Enhancement of the rotenoid content was evaluated by feeding precursors in a tissue culture medium. Results: Four rotenoids (elliptone, deguelin, rotenone and Dehydrorotenone) were identified, which were confirmed using spectral and chromatographic techniques. The maximum rotenoid content was found in the seeds (0.33±0.01%), followed by roots (0.31±0.01%) and minimum in the aerial parts (0.20±0.05%). A gradual decrease in the rotenoid content was observed with the ageing of subcultured tissue maintained for 10 months. The production of rotenoids was enhanced up to 2 folds in the callus culture using amino acids, Phenylalanine and Methionine as precursors as compared to the control. The LC50 value of the rotenoids was found to be 91 ppm and 162 ppm against disease vectors of malaria and Dracunculiasis, respectively. Conclusion: The study projects M. sativa as a novel source of biopesticide against the disease vectors of malaria and Dracunculiasis. The use of precursors to enhance the rotenoid content in vitro can be an effective venture from a commercial point of view.


1972 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 941-948 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. B. MacLEOD ◽  
H. T. KUNELIUS ◽  
F. W. CALDER

The effects of early summer and fall cutting managements on two alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars were studied over a 3-year period. Removal of the first crop of Saranac and Narrangansett alfalfas at prebud stage, followed by two cuts at the early bloom stage before early September, and a late fall harvest on October 25, produced seasonal dry matter (DM) yields of 7.5–8.6 metric T/ha in the 1st year. Stand deterioration, however, was severe and by the 3rd year, practically all alfalfa had disappeared. Average percent crude protein (CP) in cut 1 was 17.7–21.9 and percent in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVD) 67.4–73.8. Removal of the first cut at bud stage with two subsequent harvests at the early bloom stage also allowed a total of three harvests before early September and resulted in seasonal DM yields of 8.6–8.8 in the 1st year. Although the survival of alfalfa was increased over the managements where cut 1 was at prebud stage, a considerable decrease of alfalfa was still observed in the 3rd year. Under this management, average CP in cut 1 was 15.8–16.3 and IVD 64.1–68.4. Harvesting the first crop at early to midbloom stage and the second crop at early bloom in early to mid-August, followed by third harvest in late October, resulted in good survival with seasonal DM yields of 6.1–10.6. Lower CP and IVD were recorded in cut 1 than in the more intensive managements. Under all managements, average CP in cuts 2 and 3 was 14.9–17.3 and 13.3–19.4, respectively. IVD was 54.5–60.7 in cut 2 and 56.0–64.4 in cut 3.


1977 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 873-881 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. MICHAUD ◽  
T. H. BUSBICE

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a highly heterozygous cross-pollinating species, and most breeding efforts have been conducted on noninbred populations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether greater breeding progress could be made by selecting within partly inbred populations rather than within noninbred ones. One hundred and twenty F1 (noninbred) and 120 S1 (partly inbred) plants that were issued from crossing and selfing four alfalfa clones were evaluated for self-fertility. The most self-fertile 10% of the plants from each family were selected in each population. The selected plants within each level of inbreeding were intercrossed to produce an advanced generation in which the effectiveness of the selection was evaluated. Selection increased both self- and cross-fertility in the advanced generation. Selection was more effective at the F1 level than at the S1 level. Fertility was reduced drastically by inbreeding. The average self-fertility of the S1’s was only about 7% of the cross-fertility of their parental clones. An exponential model was proposed to describe the relationship between seed setting and the coefficient of inbreeding in the developing zygote. This model explained 95% of the variation among 11 unselected populations having differing levels of inbreeding.


1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 1057-1067 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. BUXTON ◽  
G. C. MARTEN ◽  
J. S. HORNSTEIN

When normally harvested for hay, the basal portion of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stems is low in forage quality. This study was conducted to determine whether genetic variation for in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) and crude protein (CP) concentration of stems of perennial Medicago spp. could be identified and whether morphological and chemical traits were associated with variation in these characteristics of stems. The lower six nodes and internodes of stems and total herbage from 64 Plant Introduction (PI) accessions and five cultivars of field-grown plants were harvested twice when most plants were at the early seed-pod stage of maturity. Several morphological and growth traits were measured, and both stems and total herbage were evaluated for IVDDM and CP concentration. Covariant analysis was used to adjust in IVDDM and CP concentration of stems for differences in plant maturity. Significant variation for IVDDM and CP concentration in stems existed among the cultivars and among the accessions. Some accessions had significantly higher stem IVDDM or CP concentration than control cultivars. The M. sativa accession, PI 440496, had the fourth highest stem IVDDM and third highest stem CP, with concentrations of 374 and 79 g kg−1, respectively. The number of ridges on stems (stem shape) was significantly correlated with stem IVDDM and CP concentration with average correlation coefficients of 0.30 and 0.35, respectively. Cell-wall concentration and lignin concentration per unit cell wall of stems were both negatively correlated with stem IVDDM and CP concentration. Selection for improved nutritive value of stems may have potential for improving the nutritive value of alfalfa herbage.Key words: Alfalfa, forage quality, crude protein, in vitro digestibility, Medicago sativa L.


1993 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. R. Bowley ◽  
G. A. Kielly ◽  
K. Anandarajah ◽  
B. D. McKersie ◽  
T. Senaratna

For successful application of artificial seed technology to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), parental plants must possess the necessary genes for somatic embryogenesis and produce progeny having high commercial value. A backcross procedure was initiated to transfer the ability to form somatic embryos from genotype A70-34, a selection from the cultivar Rangelander, to multiple-pest-resistant alfalfa germplasm. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the growth characteristics and seed yield of the F1; BC1 and BC2 generations to determine if introgression with commercial germplasm had improved the agronomic features of the embryogenic germplasm. This study consisted of two field experiments, each conducted at two locations. One experiment evaluated herbage growth characteristics and herbage production at Elora and Woodstock, Ontario, and the other evaluated seed yield at Elora and Delhi, Ontario. Significant increases in fall regrowth height, leaflet length:width ratio, and seed yield were detected over the cycles of crossing. By the BC2, fall dormancy and leaflet length:width ratio were similar to those in commercial populations. Although improvements in seed yield were detected, the BC2 was inferior in seed yield compared with commercial germplasm, and further introgression and (or) conscious selection for improved seed yield will be required. Through a population backcross procedure, it appears possible to develop commercial alfalfa germplasm capable of in vitro manipulation. Key words: Alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., somatic embryogenesis, artificial seed, backcross


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