Abstract
In order to investigation the effect of row spacing and seeding rate on alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L. cv. ‘Mesasirsa’) an experiment was carried out at the research farm of Khouzestan Agricultural Research Center from 2000 to 2004. This research was conducted in the form of a split plot design in a randomized complete block, with four replications. Main plot was three row spaces (50, 60 and 70 cm) and sub plots were five seeding rates (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 kg seed ha -1 ). Results showed that the highest seed yield obtained in the second year. Seed yield and raceme per m 2 increased with row spacing decreased. Seeding rate did not have any significant effect on pod per raceme, seed per pod and seed weight. The interaction of year and treatments on whole of traits were not significant. It was observed that correlation among seed yield and yield components was positive and significant. It was concluded that with using 15 kg seed ha -1 obtained highest seed yield due to increase in raceme per m 2 and seed weight.
Highlights
Alfalfa is a cross infertile from legume grasses
The condition of this areas provide suitable situation especially in production stage, but Alfalfa seed producing has a little stability and differs from place to place and year to year (Karimi, 1990; Koocheki et al, 1987.) Because seed yield in plot unit is a dependent of seed yield of any plant and plant number in plot unit, so row spacing and seed rate is considered as an important element in seed producing (Koocheki and Marashi, 1989)
High bash density is the result of challenge between Alfalfa bashes, which has an undesirable effect on germination and production organs
Summary
Alfalfa is a cross infertile from legume grasses. In Iran, planted Alfalfa plot is more than 6.6 thousand header. The condition of this areas provide suitable situation especially in production stage, but Alfalfa seed producing has a little stability and differs from place to place and year to year (Karimi, 1990; Koocheki et al, 1987.) Because seed yield in plot unit is a dependent of seed yield of any plant and plant number in plot unit, so row spacing and seed rate is considered as an important element in seed producing (Koocheki and Marashi, 1989). Low bush density and in creasing the row space is mentioned as an important element in increasing Alfalfa seed production (Koocheki et al, 1987; Kowithayakorn and Hill, 1982; Melthon et al, 1979). Desirable row spaces depends on different soil elements (tissue, depth, fertility, accessible humidity, soil and water temperature), duration of plant growth season, Alfalfa long life and Alfalfa figures
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