Abstract
Nineteen alfalfa varieties of seven different fall dormancy (FD) classes (2 to 8) over three years in five different eco-agricultural areas with mild climates in Henan Province of China was studied. The results showed that almost all of the varieties exhibited nearly perfect survival rates, while the variety ‘Siriver’ had a slightly lower survival rate of 98.5%. The variety ‘WL414’ (FD 6) produced the greatest average dry matter (DM) yield across the regions, while the lowest yield was found in ‘Golden Empress’ (FD 2). In addition, the total dry matter (DM) yields of the three years were affected by location and variety and there was significant location × variety interaction. The FD classes and total DM yields were significantly correlated, indicating that FD class should be used as one of the main criterion for alfalfa variety improvement or introduction of new varieties into a temperate region, such as Central China. Beside, special attention should also be paid to the selection of varieties suitable to local conditions because other factors have important influence on DM yields, including the characteristics of a varieties and environmental conditions. Key words: Alfalfa varieties, fall dormancy, dry matter yield, temperate regions.
Highlights
When selecting alfalfa varieties, researchers and producers in China need to consider several criteria such as yield potential, disease and insect resistance, fall dormancy (FD) and winter hardiness
Special attention should be paid to the selection of varieties suitable to local conditions because other factors have important influence on dry matter (DM) yields, including the characteristics of a varieties and environmental conditions
Few studies have addressed the relationships between FD and annual DM yields, even though variety improvement and its introduction into temperate regions
Summary
Researchers and producers in China need to consider several criteria such as yield potential, disease and insect resistance, fall dormancy (FD) and winter hardiness. Dormant varieties grow very slowly or cease to grow and favor the synthesis and accumulation of soluble sugars, enabling the crops to Abbreviations: DM, Dry matter; FD, fall dormancy. Non-dormant varieties continue to grow extensively in the autumn and accumulate small amounts of nonstructural carbohydrates in the roots, leading to low winter survival rates or death in regions with harsh winters (Brummer et al, 2000; Cunningham and Volenec, 1998; Haagenson et al, 2003). The major constraint that prevents widespread cultivations of non-FD alfalfa varieties in cold regions is their poor winter hardiness (Barnes et al, 1979; Stout and Hall, 1989)
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