Zhang Tiejun

Distribution, breeding and utilizationof alfalfa germplasm resources

Alfalfa is widely distributed worldwide and is one of the most nimportant forage legumes. It is well-known as “the king of nforage” because of its high yield, high quality, biological nnitrogen fixation, etc. Alfalfa has a long history of having been nplanted in China and having maintained a high economic value. According nto previous research, there are 46 species in the Medicago nsativa L. genus. Studies on alfalfa breeding occurred later nand have made a significant amount of progress in recent decades. nBy the end of 2014, a total of 77 alfalfa varieties had been registered, nand 36 of them had been bred by crossbreeding technology. Alfalfaxa0is nnot only an important high-protein type of forage but is also a soil nand water conservation plant; thus, alfalfa has both important economic nand ecological functions. Furthermore, the excellent germplasm resources nof alfalfa have been discovered for breeding new alfalfa cultivars, nwhich can not only increase the forage yield but can also accelerate nthe development of the dairy industry. Moreover, alfalfa can improve nsoil fertility as an important ecological protection for plants. Therefore, nthe development of the alfalfa industry plays an important role in nthe sustainable development of agriculture in China. This paper reviewed nthe distribution, germplasm resources, genetic breeding, and utilization nof alfalfa on the basis of the present situation of alfalfa in China. nIt mayxa0provide some reference for future research of alfalfa.