Agronomic and molecular evaluation of cocksfoot and tall fescue cultivars for adaptation to an Algerian drought-prone environment

Abstract

A prime objective for improving perennial grasses for Mediterranean environments is the identification and selection of genotypes well adapted to semi-arid conditions. This study was conducted at an experimental site in Algeria over three consecutive seasons, with the aim of evaluating the agronomic performance and genetic diversity of 13 cultivars of two species of perennial grasses: six cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and seven tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. = syn.Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.) cultivars. Variation was found in both species for dry-matter yield, sward recovery, heading date, water-use efficiency (WUE), and summer senescence. Tall fescue cultivars gave greater yield in spring, with earlier heading date and higher WUE than cocksfoot, with no differences for the other traits. Among the genotypes, `Flecha' was the most promising, together with `E-542', `Fraydo' and `Centurion', all of which are tall fescue cultivars. Principal component analysis indicated that persistence of grass cover is relatively independent from dry-matter yield and water-use efficiency. The level of genetic diversity within each species was assessed using AFLP markers, and the molecular variation was analysed together with agronomic trait variation, with identification of molecular markers potentially associated with the relevant traits

Molecular characterization of Algerian populations of cocksfoot and tall fescue: Ploidy level determination and genetic diversity analysis

“…This information may assist plant breeders in their decisions, whether they prefer to introgress closely or distally related germplasm in their breeding efforts. With both Centurion and Medly carrying interesting and value‐added traits for Algerian pastures (Mefti et al, 2016 ) , the infusion of Algerian germplasm and further cultivar improvement could broaden their selection potential. As further field evaluations of these unique Algerian populations occur, those with value‐added traits can be incorporated into improved cultivars.…”

“…Second, interest in breeding has decreased, such that the development of new forage grass cultivars is relatively absent. Third, few studies have been carried out in Algeria per se to evaluate varieties of perennial grasses (Mefti et al, 2016), or to assess the genetic diversity of local ecotypes and identify and select those well adapted to North African conditions. The opportunities for forage development and improvement of pastoral production exist, and perennial grasses play a key role in landscape improvement and livestock feed.…”

Multivariate characteristics of selected grass varieties for seed production

“…Comprehensive assessment of varieties should therefore cover a large number of traits, which can be carried out using statistical multivariate methods. Simultaneous incorporation of several traits in the analysis requires the use of statistical multivariate methods that allow to classify and characterize varieties and indicate which varieties are most valuable in terms of all important traits (Mefti et al 2016). Such methods allow to distinguish groups of similar varieties and to identify groups which may be valuable as breeding material.…”

Proteins Involved in Energy Metabolism and Oxidative Regulation Associated with Genotypic Variations in Drought Tolerance for Tall Fescue

“…Use of genetic variability in drought tolerance in breeding selection or through genetic modification has made significant progresses in developing drought-tolerant cultivars of various turfgrass species, including tall fescue. Tall fescue is a widely grown cool-season species throughout the temperate regions of the world (Mefti et al, 2016). A previous study found that tall fescue exhibits a wide range of genetic variability in drought tolerance (Ebrahimiyan et al, 2013;Pirnajmedin et al, 2015;Salehi et al, 2014).…”