Lotus glaber: A Scientific, Technological and Productive Challenge for Argentina

PIECKENSTAIN F, SÁNCHEZ D, MUJICA M, FERNÁNDEZ O, ALBERTÓ E, LATERRA P, ESTRELLA MJ, IXTAINA V, VIGNOLIO O, CUEVAS JC, SANNAZZARO A, MENÉNDEZ A, DÍAZ L, RUIZ OA.

Golm, Alemania

Conferencia; Molecular Genetics of Model Legumes; 2001

Lotus glaber (ex L. tenuis) is a very important legume in the so-called "Pampa Deprimida del Salado", the most extensive area for calf production in Argentina. Soi1s in this region are alkaline and with high salt concentration. Therefore, improving of cultivars is a relevant area of research to increase production. In spite of the importance of L. glaber, there is littk information about their physiology. The main goal of our project is the establishment of a rnulti-disciplinary research group for the study of aspects related to genetic improvemcnt, the physiology of the response to environmental stresses and the ability of the non-native legume L. glaber to modify plant communities. Our partial aims are: ·          To contribute to the knowledge of the genetíc and physioJogical basis of the mechanisms involved in the tolerance of the legume and its symbíonts ·          To assist genetic improvement in relation to stress tolerance by the use of molecular and biochemical markers ·          To understand the mechanisms and factors that regulate the colonisation of halophyte communities by L. glaher, thus establishing critería that will allow their introduction, diffusion, and persístence For this purpose, the following tasks will be conducted or are in evolution: ·          Exploration and classification of the regional variability of L. glaber and evaluatíon of its ability to modify plant communitíes ·          Identifícatíon of stress-tolerant genotypes and applicatíon of differential studies ·          Evaluation of the role of polyamines ·          Transformation of L. glaber ·          Continuation of on-going programs of genetic improvement ·          Analysis of the diversity of Rhizohium loti populations ·          Analysis of the incidence of VAM associated to different ecosystems and L. glaber genotypes ·          Evaluation of the effect of the date and type of the techniques used to seed its implantation in the field ·          Establishment of criteria for managing haJophyte communities