Forage Genetics International

FGI has an experienced research staff with a history of innovation in alfalfa breeding. We operate research stations in North America (Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Idaho and California) and South America (Argentina). In addition to these research facilities, FGI maintains breeding nurseries and yield trials in virtually all of the major alfalfa production areas of the U.S., Canada, and Argentina. In August of 2000, FGI acquired all of the research assets and germplasm of W-L Research, including their unique HQ (high quality) breeding lines. The integration of the FGI and W-L alfalfa breeding lines, across all dormancy groups, has produced a diverse alfalfa germplasm base second to none.

Our alfalfa breeding program has focused on improved forage yield, forage quality, pest resistance and persistence. FGI’s accomplishments are testimony to our dedication to continue to be the world leader in alfalfa genetics. These accomplishments include:

Leader in developing commercial multifoliolate dormant alfalfa varieties and the first to offer winteractive (non-dormant) alfalfa with the multifoliolate trait.

Industry leadership in the development of alfalfa varieties with improved forage quality and the development of proprietary technology for the evaluation of key forage quality traits. FGI-developed varieties are perennial favorites in the hay and haylage competition at the "World Forage Super Bowl".

First to develop and market new fall dormancy 10 types that show greater winter activity and forage production than Cuf 101.

FGI patent protection for potato leafhopper resistance in alfalfa, the number one alfalfa insect pest in the U.S. FGI is now introducing new varieties combining high (>70%) resistance to PLH with excellent agronomic performance.

FGI patent protection for dual-race Aphanomyces resistance in alfalfa. FGI is integrating high resistance to both Race 1 and Race 2 Aphanomyces root rot into our elite proprietary germplasm.

Industry leadership in developing late fall dormant types with exceptional winterhardiness. The genetic uncoupling of fall dormancy and winterhardiness has been used to increase forage yield potential in both dormant and winteractive varieties.

A unique focus on breeding for improved persistence has led to the release of several new varieties with significant improvements in stand life and forage yield in the later years of the stand rotation.

Development of a unique marker-assisted breeding method (patent pending) for achieving high levels of transgenic trait expression in alfalfa.

Commercialization of the RR trait in alfalfa. FGI breeders have taken Roundup Ready® plants transformed by our biotechnology group and developed Roundup Ready alfalfa varieties with high trait purity and exceptional agronomic performance.



Roundup Ready® and Roundup® are trademarks of Monsanto Company.

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