Across more than 30 crops featured in our spotlight series, Seed World Europe also highlights the often-overlooked—but critically important — world of forage and turf crop breeding. These crops underpin livestock systems, soil health, carbon sequestration, and the green spaces woven throughout our communities. Our articles delve into the challenges breeders face in these species — from improving resilience, persistence, and nutrient efficiency to overcoming environmental stresses and securing quality germplasm. From fescue and Kentucky bluegrass to festulolium, clover, and lucerne, each story reveals the expertise and long-term commitment required to deliver high-performing varieties. As we revisit these pieces, we invite readers to appreciate the essential role forage and turf breeding plays in both agriculture and everyday life.
Fescue to the Rescue, Sept. 2025: https://www.seedworld.com/europe/2025/09/11/fescue-to-the-rescue/
Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis), May 2021: https://www.seedworld.com/europe/2021/05/19/goaaaallllllllll/
Festulolium, Oct. 2019: https://www.seedworld.com/europe/2019/10/08/festulolium-the-best-of-both-worlds/
Clover, May 2018: https://www.seedworld.com/europe/2018/02/19/no-need-luck-breeding-clover-science-art-lot-hard-work/
Lucerne (alfalfa), April 2017: https://www.seedworld.com/europe/2017/04/11/producing-high-protein-content-conditions/
