Read more
Grassland produces feed for livestock, improves soil fertility and structure, protects water resources and may contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon storage and to biodiversity preservation. It simultaneously maintains sustainable economic outputs for farmers and provides ecosystem services. Turf similarly c- siderably contributes to our environment by adding beauty to our surroundings, providing a safe playing surface for sports and recreation. The species diversity present in most grasslands and turfs is a functional div- sity contributing to the previously mentioned agronomic and environmental bene?ts. The species belong to different functional groups and the adequate species com- sition may maximise the agronomic performance through a higher production and a better quality and the environmental bene?ts through symbiotic nitrogen ?xation or sources of pollen and nectar to pollinators. In a given grassland or turf, the genetic diversity available in each variety contributes to this economic and environmental performance, but also to the stability of these performances including the stability of the resistance against pathogens and pests. Natural grasslands share many species with the sown swards. They may be regarded as favourable sites for in situ preservation of genetic diversity as well as valuable sources of diversity for breeding.
List of contents
Genetic resources.- Genetic changes in grassland and turf communities.- Genetic progresses to meet end-users' expectations.- Molecular biology and biotechnologies for an appropriate management and creation of genetic diversity.- Type and structure of varieties to better exploit genetic diversity.
Summary
Grassland produces feed for livestock, improves soil fertility and structure, protects water resources and may contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon storage and to biodiversity preservation. It simultaneously maintains sustainable economic outputs for farmers and provides ecosystem services. Turf similarly c- siderably contributes to our environment by adding beauty to our surroundings, providing a safe playing surface for sports and recreation. The species diversity present in most grasslands and turfs is a functional div- sity contributing to the previously mentioned agronomic and environmental bene?ts. The species belong to different functional groups and the adequate species com- sition may maximise the agronomic performance through a higher production and a better quality and the environmental bene?ts through symbiotic nitrogen ?xation or sources of pollen and nectar to pollinators. In a given grassland or turf, the genetic diversity available in each variety contributes to this economic and environmental performance, but also to the stability of these performances including the stability of the resistance against pathogens and pests. Natural grasslands share many species with the sown swards. They may be regarded as favourable sites for in situ preservation of genetic diversity as well as valuable sources of diversity for breeding.
Additional text
From the reviews:
“This book contains reviews and reports of genetic diversity in forage and turf presented at the 28th Conference of the EUCARPIA Fodder Crops and Amenity Grasses Section, held in La Rochelle, France in 2009. … This book is a comprehensive source of information that suggests directions for future breeding of forage and turf. It is also a useful text book for students studying genetics, physiology and agronomy of forage and turf species.” (Sachiko Isobe, Annals of Botany, Vol. 111 (1), January, 2013)
Report
From the reviews:
"This book contains reviews and reports of genetic diversity in forage and turf presented at the 28th Conference of the EUCARPIA Fodder Crops and Amenity Grasses Section, held in La Rochelle, France in 2009. ... This book is a comprehensive source of information that suggests directions for future breeding of forage and turf. It is also a useful text book for students studying genetics, physiology and agronomy of forage and turf species." (Sachiko Isobe, Annals of Botany, Vol. 111 (1), January, 2013)
