. 2006. A review of research progress on cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 86: 49-62. This review of cicer milkvetch includes both published and unpublished information regarding crop and seed characteristics, seed treatments, breeding, agronomic practices and nutritional value for livestock. Cicer milkvetch is a long-lived perennial, acid-and drought-tolerant crop providing high-quality forage throughout the growing season. It does not cause bloat in ruminants. Although it has caused photosensitization in ruminants, this was apparently due to specific environmental conditions and the cultivar used. Cicer milkvetch is compatible with other forage crops in mixed stands and is particularly suitable for pasture. Although the crop has many good qualities and was introduced in North America approximately 75 yr ago, it has not been utilized extensively, primarily due to slow establishment. However, stand establishment has been improved by elucidation of seed and seedling characteristics, followed by selection for heavy seed, rate of emergence, and mature plant vigor. Improved cultivars, developed through recurrent selection for rapid establishment, are now available. Seed scarification, inoculation with rhizobia, and shallow seeding into a pre-packed, warm seedbed are of great importance in cicer milkvetch establishment. Seeding later in the spring (without a companion crop) increases the probability of successful establishment of genetically improved cultivars. Development of cultivars with upright growth characteristics and long-term persistence under grazing stress, improved scarification techniques (to reduce seed loss), and a seeding protocol for successful establishment of the crop, have the potential to substantially increase utilization of this important forage legume. Cette revue bibliographique englobe l'information connue et inédite sur les caractéristiques de la plante et de la graine, les traitements grainiers, l'hybridation, les pratiques agronomiques et la valeur nutritive de cette culture pour le bétail. L'astragale est une vivace longévive qui tolère bien les sols acides et la sécheresse; elle produit un fourrage de haute qualité pendant toute la période végétative. Elle n'entraîne pas le météorisme chez les ruminants. La photosensibilisation qu'elle engendre à l'occasion chez eux semble résulter de certaines conditions environnementales ainsi que du cultivar employé. L'astragale est compatible avec d'autres plantes fourragères dans les peuplements mixtes et se prête particulièrement bien aux pâturages. En dépit de ses nombreuses qualités et de son introduction en Amérique du Nord il y a près de 75 ans, l'astragale n'est pas énormément utilisée, principalement parce qu'elle prend du temps à s'implanter. On peut néan-moins améliorer l'établissement de la culture en triant les semences et les plantules d'après leurs propriétés puis en sélectionnant les plants pour une production abondante de graines, le taux de levée et la vigueur des plants adultes. On trouve désormais sur le ma...

Development of transgenic triticale as a platform for novel bio-industrial products is predicated on an environmental biosafety assessment that quantifies the potential risks associated with its release. Pollen-mediated gene flow to related species and conventional triticale varieties is one pathway for transgene movement. A tier 1 quantification of triticale hybridization was conducted by emasculating and hand pollinating flowers under greenhouse conditions. Approximately 2000 manual pollinations were conducted for each cross and its reciprocal between two triticale genotypes: a modern triticale cultivar (AC Alta) and primary triticale (89TT108), and common wheat, durum wheat and rye. The frequency of outcrossing, hybrid seed appearance and weight, and F 1 emergence and fertility were recorded. Outcrossing, F 1 emergence and fertility rates were high from crosses between triticale genotypes. Outcrossing in inter-specific crosses was influenced by the species, and the genotype and gender of the triticale parent. In crosses to common and durum wheat where triticale was the male parent, outcrossing was ≥ 73.0% and ≥ 69.5%, respectively, but ≤ 23.9% and ≤ 3.0% when triticale was the female parent. Overall, outcrossing with rye was lower than with common and durum wheat. F 1 hybrid emergence was greater when triticale was the female parent. With the exception of a single seed, all wheat-triticale F 1 hybrid seeds were non-viable when triticale was the male parent in the cross. Only seven durum wheat-triticale F 1 hybrids emerged from 163 seeds sown, and all were produced with triticale 89TT108 as female parent. With rye, 8 F 1 hybrids emerged from 38 seeds sown, and all were produced from crosses to AC Alta; five with AC Alta as the female parent and three as the male. Interspecific F 1 hybrids were self-sterile, with the exception of those produced in crosses between common wheat and triticale where triticale was the female parent. Tier 2 hybridization quantification will be conducted under field conditions.