​​Forage Yield Potential and Adaptation Performance of Alfalfa Genotypes in Acidic Soil Condition of Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: The adaptability and forage yields of some alfalfa varieties are very low compared to the other varieties. Thus, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the adaptability, forage yield potential and farmers’ preference of seven alfalfa genotypes across two agro-ecological conditions of Chena and Gimbo districts, Southwestern Ethiopia in the year 2019 and 2020. Methods: Seven varieties of alfalfa forage including Magna 788, Magna 801, FL-L77, Hunter river, FG9-09, FG10-09 and Pioneer 1995 were used as experimental treatments. The genotype was arranged using an RCBD with three replications. All the relevant data were collected and then subjected to SAS software. To assess the adaptability and productivity potential of the selected varieties, all necessary data were recorded. Result: The effect of varieties on adaptation performance and yield potential showed significant differences (P≤0.05) for all parameters except the date of emergence at both locations. Dry matter yield, biomass yield, leaf weight and stem weight were significantly (P≤0.01) affected among all varieties of alfalfa. Therefore, all varieties of Alfalfa were found to be adaptable and performed well for most growth parameters and yield components except seed production under the conditions of Gimbo and Chena agroecology.