Genetic improvement of xerophilic forage plants: Review

Abstract

Precipitation is the main climatic variable for the Brazilian semi-arid region, being a limiting factor for vegetable production, especially in regions with low rainfall. On the other hand, livestock farming is the main economic activity of this region and the production of food for animals, unfortunately, still constitutes the biggest bottleneck. The main objective of this review is to describe the genetic improvement of the main xerophilic forage plants cultivated in the Brazilian semi-arid region and of the species with potential for cultivation in areas with low rainfall records. The species described are: (Opuntia cochenillifera), buffel grass (Cenchrus Ciliaris L), cotton mocó mocó (Gossypium hirsutum L), silk flower, (Calotropis procera (Ait.) W.T. Aiton), Cereus jamacaru and Manihot. The genetic breeding program of these species begins with the formation of an active germplasm bank (AGB) and includes the realization of different strategies, such as the domestication of the species, which involves the cultivation, evaluation, agronomic and bromatological characterization of the accesses, study of genetic diversity, plant selection, hybridization, chromosomal alteration, use of biotechnology tools, among other strategies. The execution of genetic improvement programs of these xerophytic cultures becomes a necessary tool for cultivation, domestication of wild materials and obtaining new varieties, with greater potential of production and with the function of raising the income of the rural properties of the Brazilian semi-arid.