FORAGE SEED PRODUCTION AND USE WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO MEDITERRANEAN EUROPE

F. Lorenzetti and D. Rosellini

Istituto di Miglioramento Genetico Vegetale, Università degli Studi di Perugia

Borgo XX giugno 74, 06122 Perugia, Italy

 The peculiarities of forage crops that make it difficult to supply farmers with quality seed of improved varieties are discussed with particular reference to the Mediterraean countries. Lack of varietal consciousness and qualified seed demand is still widespread even in developed countries for many forage species and the use of imported unadapted types is a negative consequence. The technological content of most forage seed is low because forages have not benefitted from as much breeding as other crops and this has contributed to a decrease in forage hectarages in many countries. The interest of the private seed industry in forages has generally been low, but signs of new vitality can now be seen, also considering the multi-purpose utilization of forages for fodder production, soil protection and amenities. Finally, the challenging role of research in forage crop seed is emphasized.

 Keywords: forage seed market; varietal constitution; forage breeding