The breeding system of Ornithopus sativus Brot. subsp. sativus

Genetic traits within Ornithopus sativus Brot. make it suitable for breeding as a forage legume in agriculture. The breeding system of O. sativus must be understood to stabilize valuable traits once developed. Hybridization between white-flowered and pink-flowered genotypes of O. sativus revealed the white flower colour to be inherited recessively to pink, while early flowering showed genetic dominance over late flowering (d = 0.5). The pink flower colour was always associated with red pigmentation on seedling hypocotyls, which provided a pragmatic aid in the selection process. Pollination of O. sativus is largely autogamous, but examination of hypocotyl colour of seedlings from white-flowered trap plants placed among pink-flowered plants in a sward indicated a xenogamic cross-pollination rate of 25% is possible. This significant level of cross-pollination revealed opportunities for breeding desirable traits within the species, while providing a warning that shifts in population structure could occur in response to selection pressure.

Automated summary

Ornithopus sativus Brot. possesses genetic traits suitable for breeding as a forage legume, with white flower color being inherited recessively to pink and early flowering showing genetic dominance. Cross-pollination opportunities exist within the species, but caution is needed to prevent shifts in population structure from selection pressure.