Evaluation of production performance of 35 introduced varieties of alfalfa in Chifeng area of Inner Mongolia

A field experiment of 35 introduced varieties of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) was performed in Chifeng area to compare the differences in winter surviving rate, plant height, fresh yield, hay yield, leaf to stem ratio in the second growth year; and the productive adaptability of 35 varieties were also evaluated with gray correlation analysis. The results indicated that Longmu No.806 was the best on its comprehensive characteristics, while Grandeur, Zhaodong, Longmu No.801 and Gongnong No.1 were in the seond best group. These cultivars deserve popularization in Chifeng area. Zhaodong, Longmu, Gongnong No.1 and Aohan Alfalfa with higher winter surviving rates and excellent comprehensive characteristics were more suitable to be extended in the colder climate of northern counties of Chifeng area.