Evaluation of Introduced Alfalfa and Clover Cultivars for Some Agronomic and Quality Traits

Abstract

The study was conducted in the Experimented farm of Shambat Research Station and extended from January to July 2009. The objectives were to investigate the agronomic and quality performance of some introduced alfalfa cultivars , using the local variety Hijazi as a check. The introduced materials comprised 3 alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plus one Egyptian Clover, Fahli (Trifolium alexandrinum) genotypes. The alfalfa genotypes were: “Siriver’, “SARDI10” (Australian cultivars) and “CUF101” (American cultivar). The materials were arranged in RCBD design with three replicates. The introduced cultivars were evaluated over four cuts after crop establishment. The data taken for agronomic attributes included fresh and dry yield, plant height and days to flower. Proximate analysis was performed to evaluate the percentages of crude protein (CP) and crude fiber (CF). Differences among the studied cultivars were not significant for fresh and dry forage yield. Highly significant differences were detected among cultivars in days to flowering and plant height. Interaction between cultivars and cuts was not significant for all traits indicating that the cultivars were consistent in their performance across cuts. None of the introduced cultivars was superior to the local check Hijazi in forage yield. The check Hijazi was earlier and taller than the introduced alfalfa cultivars. vi The cultivars averaged 24.29% and 36.94% in crude protein and crude fiber, respectively. The cultivars Fahli, CUF101 and Hijazi scored above average values for protein content whereas Siriver and SARDI 10 scored below average values.