Maize (Zea mays L) is one of the most important crops as to food and fodder, with its forage potential being one of the crucial links in livestock production systems worldwide. The enhancement of maize for increasing forage quality and yield becomes of utmost importance in the advent of soaring demand for animal feed. This chapter deals with different breeding approaches directed towards the enhancement of the forage potential of maize, including genetic improvement, agronomic practices, and biotechnology. The topics include selection strategies for higher biomass yield, improved digestibility, nutritional quality, and resistance to pests and diseases. It discusses conventional breeding techniques such as hybridization, along with modern tools, including molecular breeding, genomic selection, and CRISPR-Cas9. Emphasis also includes phenotypic and genotypic traits within breeding programs, as well as the synergy with agronomic practices to maximize forage productivity. The chapter further considers challenges and future perspectives in maize breeding for forage improvements in the sense of sustainability and climate-resilient production systems.

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Breeding Approaches for Maize Improvement to Enhance Its Forage Potential

  • Narkhede Gopal Wasudeo,
  • Manchikatla Arun Kumar,
  • G. Harish Kumar,
  • Shabir Hussain Wani,
  • Mehdi Rahimi

摘要

Maize (Zea mays L) is one of the most important crops as to food and fodder, with its forage potential being one of the crucial links in livestock production systems worldwide. The enhancement of maize for increasing forage quality and yield becomes of utmost importance in the advent of soaring demand for animal feed. This chapter deals with different breeding approaches directed towards the enhancement of the forage potential of maize, including genetic improvement, agronomic practices, and biotechnology. The topics include selection strategies for higher biomass yield, improved digestibility, nutritional quality, and resistance to pests and diseases. It discusses conventional breeding techniques such as hybridization, along with modern tools, including molecular breeding, genomic selection, and CRISPR-Cas9. Emphasis also includes phenotypic and genotypic traits within breeding programs, as well as the synergy with agronomic practices to maximize forage productivity. The chapter further considers challenges and future perspectives in maize breeding for forage improvements in the sense of sustainability and climate-resilient production systems.