Seed production technology for fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) in the Canadian prairies

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual legume mainly used as a spice crop in many parts of the world. "Tristar" is a new forage cultivar that requires - 120 days to produce mature seed in western Canada where only - 100 frost-free days are available. The goal for this study was to reduce maturity duration for the crop through a series of studies on the genetics and agronomic aspects of fenugreek. This two year study suggests that: 1)mutation breeding using Tristar seed as a base population could be successfull; 2)multi-location trials using world accessions exhibited genotype X environment interaction; 3)swathing of plants before freezing temperatures set in; 4)application of phosphate fertilizer increased seed yield and; 5)foliar sprays of chemicals can be used for production of high quality seed. In this study some short duration, high yielding and determine lines of fenugreek were produced improving the potential for use of fenugreek and the economics of beef production in western Canada.