Forage and pasture legume genetic resources at ICARDA

Abstract

The total holdings of forage and pasture legumes at ICARDA exceed 40,000 accessions. The largest collection is the genus Medicago (9085 accessions) followed by Vicia (5503 accessions), Pisum (3754 accessions), Trifolium (3605 accessions), Lathyrus (3161 accessions), Astragalus (1062 accessions), and Onobrychis (1000 accessions). A significant proportion of this material is indigenous germplasm collected by ICARDA in West Asia and North Africa. Of these, annual Medicago species (4249 accessions)make up the greatest proportion, followed by Trifolium (3157 accessions) and Vicia species (2109 accessions). Associated rhizobia were also occasionally collected. However, more effort is required to preserve the genetic variability available in the region.Several comprehensive distribution studies have identified promising annual Medicago species. Information is also accumulating on Vicia and Lathyrus species, confirming their potential for the West Asia and North Africa region. Annual Trifolium species are also widely distributed in the region. Distribution studies have shown that a number of morphological and agronomic attributes of these legumes are related to soil and climatic parameters at the collection site.The entire germplasm of the following species has been characterised: Vicia sativa subsp. sativa (1466 accessions), V. narbonensis (165 accessions), V. ervilia (245 accessions), Medicago rigidula (933 accessions) and M. radiata (135 accessions). Large variations were recorded for the descriptors used and accessions have been selected for further testing in the breeding programs at ICARDA. ICARDA’s breeding programs have made significant progress in selecting species and lines adapted to the West Asia and North Africa region. Supplying national programs with adequate diversity and improved ICARDA material has resulted in the selection and release of several forage and pasture cultivars.Key wordsCollectingConservationEvaluationICARDAWest AsiaNorth AfricaForage and Pasture Legumes