Ecological plasticity and adaptive potential of annual form of white sweet clover (Melilotus albus Medik)

Abstract

The ecological plasticity, stability, and adaptive potential of varieties and promising genetic lines of the annual form of white sweet clover were assessed. The studies were carried out in 2016-2020 in Volga Scientific Research Institute of Selection and Seed-Growing named after P.N. Konstantinov, Samara Federal Research Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences. According to the parameters of ecological plasticity and stability, the studied varieties and genetic lines were differentiated into groups according to their response to the changes in environmental conditions. Most of studied varieties belonged to highly plastic genotypes; varieties Srednevolzhsky, Kinelsky, Zavolzhsky, and genetic line Hugh 0 were characterized by the highest stability under the conditions of the Samara Trans-Volga Region. Varieties Srednevolzhsky, Kinelsky, Zavolzhsky, and genetic lines Hugh 0, Hugh 40 and Indus 1 were highly resistant to unfavorable environmental factors. All the studied genetic lines and varieties are characterized by high selective value and thus may be used as a starting material for developing of new varieties of the annual form of white sweet clover.