Legume Research

Web of Science
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 46
  • Issue: 8

Correlation between fall dormancy and production performance of alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

  • Author:
  • Xiaolong Wang1,*, Peng Zhong1, Zhao Yang1,**, Yanxia Xu1, Hua Chai1, Shasha Li1, Yongcai Lai2
  • Total Page Count: 7
  • Page Number: 1006 to 1012

1Branch of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qiqihar, 161005, China

2Postdoctoral Research Workstation of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin-150086, China

Abstract

Selection for fall dormancy (FD) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) can impact other traits, including dry matter yield (DMY), winter survival rate (WSR) and nutrient compositions. The current study was aimed to screen alfalfa varieties with greater yield, good quality and strong winter survival ability and thus are more suitable for planting in Heilongjiang, China and may be suitable for similar upper-latitude semiarid environments in the world.

Eight alfalfa varieties (Zhaodong, Gongnong No. 2, Caribou, Gold Empress, Adrenalin, Sanditi, Sardi and WL525) were planted in regional test based on randomized block design and mowed during the early flowering stage from 2019 to 2021. The DMY, WSR and nutrient compositions were measured by weighing method, field investigation and chemical test, respectively.

There was a significant negative correlation (P<0.01) between the FD rating and WSR, with a correlation coefficient of 0.956. The three-year average DMY of Gongnong No. 2 was the greatest (12,745.65 kg ha-1) and there was a significant negative correlation (0.766, P<0.01) between the FD rating and DMY. The crude protein content of Gongnong No. 2 was greater (19.29%) than the other varieties. The Zhaodong had the least neutral detergent fiber (47.76%) and acid detergent fiber (30.79%).

Keywords

Fall dormancy, Medicago sativa, Nutrient compositions, Winter survival rate, Yield