: Lolium perenne is a forage species still widespread as a natural population and is found in most of Europe, but also in part of the Mediterranean area and the Middle East. Due to the rapid growth and the ability to persist by asexual reproduction the species does not have to be sown every year, however frequent pruning makes it impossible to reproduce by seed. Genetic studies applied to the forage species L. perenne are needed to better understand the extent of intraspecific variation, how this diversity is divided in and between populations, and to help deduce phylogeographic patterns. The genus Lolium contains nine both inbred and inbred species, of which only Lolium perenne and Lolium multiflorum are the most important taxon from an agronomic point of view and are widely cultivated as forage species. In the family of the forage species Lolium perenne, polyploidy is predominant, being present both autopolyploids and allopolyploids. Productivity and persistence improvements have so far been achieved through hybridization and recurrent selection, or through the use of polyploidy. However, researchers consider it necessary to increase tolerance to limiting factors of production such as frost, drought and heat, resistance to pests and snow molds to expand the geographical area of the species. The genetic advances in the performance of Lolium perenne as a forage species, especially in pasture conditions, remain a constant challenge along with obtaining a good yield.

Lolium perenne, genetic advances, yield

field crops and pastures

Presentation: poster