BN—29540 
Uniform growing conditions are essential in identifying selections possessing good seedling vigor. In this experiment 
at Beltsville, Md., vigorous birdsfoot trefoil seed lines are selected from sand cultures. 
A geneticist examines pearl millet lines at Tifton, Ga. 
Left, hybrids; right, an inbred line. Cytoplasmic male 
sterility is now available for producing hybrid pearl 
millet varieties. Superior hybrids have increased seed- 
ling vigor and improved yields and possess a wider range 
of forage adaptation. 
16 
@ Identifying factors that control seed-holding 
capacity. 
@ Selecting for improved seed set, seed yield, and 
seedling vigor. 
@ Separating the genetic and environmental effects 
that control seed dormancy and seedling vigor. 
@ Developing varieties with increased vegetative 
growth. 
@ Developing chance and controlled hybrids, 
© Understanding trends in plant vigor in successive 
generations of seed increase. 
@ Determining the response of varieties to different 
levels of soil fertility, moisture, and _ other 
variables. 
@ Finding shattering resistance in some species. 
Breeding for Improved Quality 
There is a tremendous opportunity to improve the 
quality of grasses and legumes and to increase the yield 
of nutrients per acre. In the past, little attention was 
given to improving forage quality except by selection 
for late maturity, disease resistance, leafiness, or the 
absence of toxic substances. Recognition of energy 
limitations in animal feeding and of the effect of en- 
vironment and disease on plant composition has stim- 
ulated interest in research on breeding to improve 
quality. 
