Morphology and Rubisco turnover characteristics of perennial ryegrass breeding populations after two and four cycles of divergent selection for long or short leaf length

Abstract

Perennial ryegrass populations previously subjected to two or four cycles of selection for short or long leaf length were studied to determine the response of morphological traits to selection and interaction to determine yield. Measured morphological traits were leaf length, leaf appearance interval, ligule appearance interval, leaf elongation duration, leaf elongation rate, tiller number, tiller dry weight, and herbage dry matter. Additionally, Rubisco concentration during leaf development was measured to determine the association of Rubisco turnover with morphological characteristics and yield. Rubisco was measured and modelled as a three-parameter (D, peak Rubisco concentration; G, time of D; and F, curve width measure), log-normal curve. Leaf length, leaf elongation rate, tiller weight, and plant dry matter diverged after two cycles of selection and further divergence occurred, with these traits being, respectively, 35, 28, 53, and 61% greater in the long- than the short-leaved plants after four cycles of selection. Opposite trends were displayed by Rubisco turnover, with selection for long leaves co-selecting for increased Rubisco turnover time and selection for short leaves resulting in increased leaf Rubisco concentration. There was indication of coupling of leaf appearance with Rubisco turnover. Across populations, multivariate analysis indicated that plant yield was associated with Rubisco concentration rather than Rubisco turnover. The association between higher yield and lower Rubisco concentration could be targeted in the breeding of high-yielding, nitrogen-efficient forage grasses. Plant yield was mainly associated with increased leaf area, indicating that yield could be improved by selecting for longer leaves and faster rates of leaf expansion.