XVI International Botanical Congess

Birdsfoot trefoil is one of twelve diploid and tetraploid Lotus species that comprise the genetically diverse old-world L. corniculatus complex. Only a small amount of the potential variation in the 60 to 200 classified world-wide species has been utilized in birdsfoot trefoil genetic improvement. Examining morphologic and molecular phylogenetic relationships and using geographic information system data bases makes it is possible to estimate where unique germplasm of birdsfoot trefoil and closely allied species may be found that can be used for further genetic improvement. By integrating passport information we already know about birdsfoot trefoil germplasm holdings with information obtained from rDNA ITS and RAPD molecular characterizations and GIS technologies, genebank users will be better able to manage, utilize, and preserve these genetic resources.