Recurrent Selection for High Self‐Fertility in Vernal Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.)

Abstract

Three alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) populations, each representing one cycle of phenotypic recurrent selection for high self‐fertility (seeds per tripped flower), and unselected Vernal (check) were evaluated. Progress from selection was measured via clones selected for high selffertility and single crosses from diallel intercrossing of the selected clones.Self‐fertility in alfalfa was increased significantly in each cycle of recurrent selection. The gain per cycle for number of seeds per tripped flower was 0.83 when measured via the selected clones, and 0.36 when measured via the single crosses. Seeds per flower was increased 73% in three cycles.Diallel analyses indicated that gain in seeds per flower from the first cycle of selection was due to additive gent action, whereas gains in cycles 2 and 3 were due to nonadditive gent action.