Comparison of productivity among alfalfa varieties with different fall dormancy

摘要

Alfalfa is one of the most widely grown perennial forage crops in China and worldwide,due to its wide adaptation, yield potential and high nutritive value.Fall dormancy (FD) is one of the most important traits in alfalfa ( Medicago sativ a L.) grown in northern climates.Dry matter production of varieties with different FD levels is needed for predicting the yield potential.The objective of this research was to compare the yields of selected alfalfa varieties with different FD from foreign countries and domestic regions in China, and consequently to evaluate their yield traits including annual and individual cutting DM yields of different FD class alfalfa.The results will provide scientific data for selecting suitable alfalfa varieties and extending their use in Henan Province, China.