Multi-trait modeling and machine learning discover new markers associated with stem traits in alfalfa

• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1429976
• Publication Date: 2024-09-09T15:41:29Z
• Authors: Cesar A. Medina; Deborah J. Heuschele; Dongyan Zhao; Meng Lin; Craig T. Beil; Moira J. Sheehan; Zhanyou Xu
• Keywords: Trait

Alfalfa biomass can be fractionated into leaf and stem components. Leaves comprise a protein-rich highly digestible portion of for ruminant animals, while stems constitute high fiber less fraction, representing 50 to 70% the biomass. However, little attention has focused on stem-related traits, which are key aspect in improving nutritional value intake potential alfalfa. This study aimed identify molecular markers associated with four morphological traits panel five populations alfalfa generated over two cycles divergent selection based 16-h 96-h