Legumes are the major element of grassland ecosystem, on which the forage quality depends. Breeding of pasture varieties in perennial legumes firstly aims at achieving tolerance and persistence of the legume component in the pasture. In species having low natural grazing tolerance (lucerne and red clover) it is necessary to conduct breeding for biological, morphological and physiological characteristics, directly related to grazing tolerance. In the species having high grazing tolerance (white clover, birds foot trefoil, sainfoin), the pasture persistence is considered as a function of particular morphological characteristics, adaptive potential and stress tolerance. The indirect breeding for pasture persistence includes also breeding for competitive ability and co-adaptivity with grass pasture species adapted to the region and practices of cultivation, as well as breeding for improved nodulation and nitrogen fixation as an important element of the adaptive ability. The breeding for grazing tolerance and persistence is concentrated also on the mechanisms of self-maintenance of the legumes in the pasture-vegetative reproduction, spread and self-seeding. Many breeding programmes are concentrated also on morphology providing better intake by the animals, on main and specific quality characteristics, on anti-nutrient factors, on adaptation to systems and practices of pasture establishment and use. The breeding strategy using germplasm consolidated through the mechanisms of specific adaptation to unfavourable or specific agro-ecological conditions and influencesi.e. breeding through ecotypic selection is considered to be the most efficient for grazing purposes. The interactions in the system: pasture species-companion species in the pasture herbaceous community-grazing animals (kind, category, grazing style and behaviourial reactions) and the applied regime of use of the pasture are direct and strong. These interactions are of essential importance in genotypic differentiation of the pasture ecotypes. The adaptive variability of the pasture ecotypes is used directly, as well as in recombination breeding.

The objective of the trial was to study the physiological function and potential ecological significance of non-glandular trichomes in red clover based on their relation to the leaf transpiration intensity. The transpiration rate, relative water content and water deficit of the leaves were recorded in field-grown, high and slightly pubescent genotypes. According to results, the presence of nonglandular epidermal trichomes on the leaf surface of red clover was a micromorphological trait related to the regulation of leaf transpiration in stressful conditions. Non-glandular trichomes significantly enhanced water retention of the leaf tissue at high leaf water deficit. In the environmental conditions, limiting leaf evaporation, the pubescent genotypes displayed higher levels of transpiration. It can be suggested that the non-glandular trichomes in red clover are morphological structures supporting the function of leaf stoma apparatus. A positive relation between the degree of pubescence and resistance to powdery mildew was established under natural conditions.

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Biological and morphological features, productivity and qualitative composition of feed of common kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria ssp. vitellina (Velen.) Kuzm., sown as monoculture in the conditions of Central Northern Bulgaria were determined. It was found that common kidney vetch manifests as high-yielded and fast-growing forage legume crops in this environment. The species was highly productive in spring, but the regrowth was slow and weak, therefore it was suitable for creating grassland with combined field of use. According to the results of biochemical analysis, feed quality of dry biomass of the culture can be described as very good. The average crude protein content was relatively low (12.63%), but it was balanced in terms of established fiber content (27.28%). The feed mass of that species was rich in soluble sugars (3.90%) and contains condensed tannins in low concentration (1.17%), suggesting high levels of voluntary consumption of animals. The high content of Ca is a cause of high critical ratios of Ca: P and Ca: Mg, as well.

We have witnessed a drastic increase in global fires in recent years that are strongly linked to climate change. On the other hand, the prescribed fires are applied in agricultural practice; however, their effectiveness is controversial. It is important to study the effects of both types of fires – wild and prescribed to predict their impact on biota. In this study, four different locations in Central Norther Bulgaria that recovered after the fire were studied concerning the biodiversity and abundance of the first colonizer species. Two generations from the locations were studied and demonstrated that the legume plants are dominant. The abundant species and their morphological and physiological characteristics are described. The annual species like Bituminaria bituminosa, Vicia striata, and Medicago minima propagated with seeds and perennial rhizome Lathyrus pratensis and Trifolium medium show the best potential to resprout after the fire events. Presented results will help responsible authorities of our county to take adequate actions for burned areas recovery. The directions for future studies are highlighted. URL: https://www.upjs.sk/pracoviska/botanicka-zahrada/odborne-aktivity/contents-abstracts/