Breeding native plants for forage and reclamation: challenges and prospects
Citation
Asselin., S.R., Breeding native plants for forage and reclamation: challenges and prospects. The 13th Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference. Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Feb. 21st-23rd 2023.
Plain language summary
The availability of adapted native plant seed stock is a major limitation for land managers looking to preserve, enhance and diversify landscapes. Working with native plants poses a number of additional challenges from seed production and quality, establishment and persistence of stands to regional adaptation within a shifting climate. Plant breeding can play a role in the preservation of native plant genetic resources and the maintenance of biodiversity in agro-ecosystems. Not all seed sources are created equal and genetic diversity can be leveraged to improve populations and improve outcomes. Classical plant breeding and emerging techniques in the areas of high-throughput omics are being applied to the diverse challenges of working with native plant seed. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss current research into the breeding of native plants (grasses, forbs and shrubs) for forage and reclamation end- uses coming out of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Swift Current Research and Development Centre based in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Technical, genetic and ecological considerations for the development of native plant seed stock are discussed.
Abstract
The availability of adapted native plant seed stock is a major limitation for land managers looking to preserve, enhance and diversify landscapes. Working with native plants poses a number of additional challenges from seed production and quality, establishment and persistence of stands to regional adaptation within a shifting climate. Plant breeding can play a role in the preservation of native plant genetic resources and the maintenance of biodiversity in agro-ecosystems. Not all seed sources are created equal and genetic diversity can be leveraged to improve populations and improve outcomes. Classical plant breeding and emerging techniques in the areas of high-throughput omics are being applied to the diverse challenges of working with native plant seed. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss current research into the breeding of native plants (grasses, forbs and shrubs) for forage and reclamation end- uses coming out of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Swift Current Research and Development Centre based in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Technical, genetic and ecological considerations for the development of native plant seed stock are discussed.