Variation in and correlations between yield and creeping-rootedness in lucerne

Abstract

Two polycross populations, derived from selected creeping-rooted clones, were studied in two subtropical environments. The polycrosses were similar in percentage creeping-rootedness in both environments (38% and 39%) but the prostrate polycross contained more genetic variation for most yield characters. Further progress in breeding for yield should be possible, but exploitation of non-additive variation may be necessary. High positive genotypic correlations have been established between creeping-rootedness and yield at all times of the year, indicating successful selection in early generations. Very high positive genotypic correlations exist between yields at different times of the year, although environmental correlations are low. A combination of the best parental clones should give high-yielding persistent creeping-rooted varieties.