SARSABZ: A HIGH FODDER YIELDING ALFALFA VARIETY WITH BETTER NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND SUITABLE FOR HAY MAKING

Abstract

The demand of high fodder yielding varieties of alfalfa with better nutritional quality is increasing by the livestock farmers. The cultivation of high yielding fodder crops is compulsory need of the era for livestock industry development, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Development of high fodder yielding varieties suitable for conservation is a dire need to combat the scarcity of fodders during lean period for this region. In this regard Fodder Research Institute, Sargodha, Pakistan has developed a new alfalfa variety ‘Sarsabz’ having high green fodder yield and better nutritional value with value added quality of hay making due to more number of leaves per plant and less leaves shedding attributes. This variety is an outcome of the selection from base population developed by random mating of five different lines NO.1107; NO.64, R-793, NO.565-85and Sunder during 2006-2019. It has proved its worth in all yield trials and its performance is better than the existing Sargodha Lucerne variety. It produced 6.55% and 11.34% higher green fodder yield as compared to check variety Sargodha Lucerne in National Uniform Fodder Yield Trials. Moreover, its green fodder contains 25% dry matter, 19.6 % protein, 22.7% crude fiber and 1.98% crude fat. The new variety showed better tolerance against diseases (Anthracnose& Stem/Crown rot). Agronomic studies revealed that it is fit in a better way with the existing agronomic practices.