ARI REVIEW FOR 2016-2017

yield much better than durum wheat. A new addition to the breeding programme has immerged from the needs of farmers of small ruminant animals, and this are the awnless bread wheat lines created in the last few years. These lines show a huge potential for animal feed since they produce high quality and quantity of forage under the tough Cyprus climatic conditions. Finally, the most promising triticale lines, in terms of quality and yield, from the ARI development programme were promoted for advanced trials and are now under registration in the National Catalogue. ( A. Pallides ) Grain and forage legumes In recent years, rain-fed legumes have become increasingly popular because of their efficient use in rotation systems with cereals and their higher feeding value than cereals, either as grain or as dry forage mass. Thus, in current research projects special emphasis has been placed on the evaluation of common vetch, field peas and alfalfa, among others, for forage production. One of Plant Improvement Section’s most crucial duties is the maintenance of breeder’s seed for all the varieties produced at the ARI. This is also the case for legumes where the Section preserves the purity of many varieties of common vetch, field pea, fava beans, lentils, chickpea, bitter vetch, groundnut and other. ( A. Pallides ). Two new groundnut varieties have been registered in the National Catalogue under the names of ‘Ntopia’ and ‘Nikoklia’. These two varieties have been tested from the farmers and were highly evaluated by them for their potential in replacing the current American cultivar that is being produced in Cyprus. ( A. Pallides ). Alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ) is a high protein feeding stuff of great importance. Four populations have been stabilised and are currently evaluated for their yield and quality potential. One variety (‘Ntopia’) has been registered in the National Catalogue. ( D.A. Fasoula, A. Pallides ) Cowpea The cowpea is a subtropical legume with substantial tolerance to heat and the drier conditions experienced in Cyprus, and a favourite traditional food among the local population. The project aims at the development of improved cowpea varieties, well adapted to the changing climate conditions of southeast Mediterranean. The project also involves the study of the microbial environment of local cowpea landraces and the relevant plant- microbe interactions. Nitrogen-fixing symbiotic bacteria have been isolated from Cyprus cowpea landraces and are being studied at the molecular level. A participatory breeding component of the project is being very successfully executed, with the involvement of local farmers and extension officers across Cyprus. ( D.A. Fasoula ) 18 Plant Improvement