A study on 12 introduced varieties of alfalfa adaptive cultivation tests

Abstract: 12 introduced alfalfa (Medicago sativa) breeds, including Alfaking, Fields, Pyramid, Reward, Simplot 2000, Norva, Hopeland, Multifoliator, Leafking, Pick 3006, Pick 8925, Spreador3, from American and Canada compared with local breed (Zhonglan 1) were studied in breed introduction cultivation tests in semiaridity areas （Lanzhou） in 2003, and on adaptability in semihumidity area （Gangu） in 2008. The results indicated that 12 introduced alfalfa plants grew well and completed all the reproductive periodicity. The results did not indicate plant diseases and damage by insects in both the semiaridity and semihumidity areas. Reproductive periodicity, nutrition component, growth rapidity and ratio of stem and leaf of 12 introduced breeds were also analyzed. It also showed that Alfaking had the highest content of dissociative praline and soluble sugar and the lowest content of MDA. The fresh yields of Alfaking were the highest, which were 54 207.00 kg/ha in Lanzhou and 82 883.65 kg/ha in Gangu. The second better of agronomic traits was Pick3006. However, Spreador3 and Zhonglan 1 also had better performances compared with other breeds on adaptability. In conclusion, Alfaking, Pick3006, Spreador3 and Zhonglan 1 are recommended to be cultivated in semiaridity and semihumidity areas of the Loess Plateau in northern China.