Breeding for feeding value and seed production in the forage legume alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Résumé
The forage energy value and seed production of alfalfa are key components in the use of this forage legume and the competitiveness of seed companies. INRA has carried out scientific studies to evaluate the potential for the genetic improvement of these two traits, proposed criteria to assess them in breeding programmes and illustrated the findings by the creation of two varieties that were registered in 2013. Energy value has been evaluated by the CTPS during the registration procedure for alfalfa varieties since 2003.