Objective The Eurasian genus Medicago is best known for the perennial species M. sativa (alfalfa). Alfalfa is the world’s oldest, most important, and most intensively studied fodder crop. There is huge promise for extending the importance of alfalfa well beyond its present primary use as a feed for livestock. This species has potential uses in several domains such as: pharmaceuticals, biodegradable plastics, biofuels, textiles, and human nourishing. Medicago sativa is a polymorphic species with a variation pattern that has been complicated by hybridization and gene flow, mediated naturally or by human forces. We aim to develop a new population genomic approach to disentangle complex processes such as population divergences, migration and hybridisation/introgression among intraspecific diploid populations in a spatial and temporal framework. Specifically, this project aim to: (i) determine the genetic structure within Medicago sativa in order to characterize discrete wild genetic pools (populations) of this economically important plant species; (ii) investigate the relationships among the distinct M. sativa populations and taxa; (iii) identify geographical origin of M. sativa intraspecific taxa and the forces driving their spread; and (iv) investigate ecological adaptation in wild populations connected by gene flow in order to establish a basis for future breeding programmes. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagricultureindustrial cropsfodderagricultural sciencesanimal and dairy sciencedomestic animalsanimal husbandryengineering and technologyindustrial biotechnologybiomaterialsbiofuels Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator GOETEBORGS UNIVERSITET EU contribution € 197 811,60 Address VASAPARKEN 405 30 Goeteborg Sweden See on map Region Södra Sverige Västsverige Västra Götalands län Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Maria Enge (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data