A comparative study on production performance and quality of 16 varieties of Medicago sativa in Yangzhou region

In order to select Medicago sativa varieties for adapting to the local climate in Yangzhou region, an experiment of complete randomized block was conducted to compare the productivity and quality of sixteen varieties of M. sativa in the study. The results showed that under the same conditions of geographical, climatic and management, there were large differences among the M. sativa varieties. The fastest growth rate on average was Derby, which was significant higher than that of Leafy king, Alfalfa King, Hunter River and Flourish Age. The hay yield of Aifeinite was the highest and significant higher than that of others; and followed by GL0602, Sanditi and Leafy king. The highest CP content was Algonquin and the ADF and NDF contents of Algonquin were also higher. The second higher CP content was Aifeinite, while the ADF and NDF contents of Aifeinite were significant lower than that of Algonquin. Compared comprehensively, Aifeinite had the best production performance, and followed by GL0602, Sanditi and Leafy king. Thus, these semidormancy varieties (fall dormancy index=4 or 5) is more appropriate for local applications in Yangzhou region.