Research priorities for next-generation breeding of tropical forages in Brazil
Jorge Fernando Pereira, Ana Luisa Sousa Azevedo, Marco Pessoa-Filho, Elisson Antonio da Costa Romanel, Antonio Vander Pereira, Bianca Baccili Zanotto Vigna, Fausto de Souza Sobrinho, Flávio Rodrigo Gandolfi Benites, Francisco José da Silva Lédo, Giovani Greigh de Brito, Karem Guimarães Xavier Meireles, Marcelo Mattos Cavallari, Rosangela Maria Simeão and Juarez Campolina Machado
Abstract: Pasture is the main food source for more than 200 million cattle heads in Brazil. Although Brazilian forage breeding programs have successfully released well-adapted, high-yielding cultivars over the years, the use of genomic tools in these programs is currently limited. These tools are required to tackle the main challenges for tropical forage breeding in Brazil. In this context, this note lists the main research priorities raised at the workshop “Breeding Forages in the Genomic Era”, which are necessary to accelerate the use of genomic tools for next-generation breeding of tropical forages and allow breeders to increase genetic gains. Additionally, an online discussion forum (hosted at http://www.cnpgl.embrapa.br/genfor) has been launched to strengthen collaborations among research groups. The research priorities and more synergistic collaborations will assist researchers and decision-makers in delivering a sustainable increase in production of animal products, especially beef and milk, which are required to feed a rising world population.