Evaluation of alfalfa varieties by economically valuable characteristics in the southern foreststeppe zone of the Republic of Bashkortostan

Abstract

The purpose of the research (2019–2022) is to identify promising alfalfa samples based on a complex of economically valuable traits that are resistant to biotic and abiotic environmental stress factors for the conditions of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The novelty of the research is that for the first time in the conditions of the southern forest-steppe zone of the Republic of Bashkortostan, new promising hybrid populations with ecological plasticity and increased yield potential were studied. Records and observations were carried out according to the VIR method. As a result of the research, promising cultivars were identified that combine high feed and seed productivity. Samples of Emerald (variegated hybrid) High-protein (variegated hybrid population), Precocious (variegated hybrid population), Tatar pasture differ in the earliest flowering. The largest excess of the green mass yield was noted by samples: From 3-8 (blue hybrid, created by individual — family selection) exceeding the standard by 37.4%; Population 25 (mixture) by 33.2%; P 85044 (blue hybrid, created by individual and family selection) by 29.3%; Population 8 (synthetic population, belongs to the yellow–variegated hybrid variety type) by 27.7%. A positive correlation was established between the seed yield, the amount of precipitation (r = 0.481) and GTC (r = 0.470). The presence of a weak negative correlation between the seed yield and the average daily temperature regime (r = -0.276) was revealed. The results of the research can be used in the selection of alfalfa in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia and is of interest to researchers-breeders of the world community.