Forage

In recent decades, livestock producers have moved away from open grazing for a number of reasons, none having to do with the health of consumers.

The 5th International Symposium on the Molecular Breeding of Forage and Turf covers all aspects of molecular breeding of forage and turf plants, from gene discovery, functional genomics, molecular genetics and marker technology, marker-assisted selection, transgenesis to transgenic molecular breeding; address applications - among others - for enhanced quality, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses; relating to forage grasses, forage legumes, their bacterial and fungal endosymbionts, as well as turf grasses.

Grassland covers 26 per cent of the world's total land area. It produces feed for livestock; maintains soil fertility; protects and conserves soil and water resources; creates a habitat for wildlife; provides recreational space for sport and leisure and contributes to the general landscape.