Promising breeding samples of alfalfa

Abstract

Purpose. Assessment of feed and seed productivity of alfalfa breeding material on the background of increased soil acidity in the nursery of a competitive variety trial. Methods. Field (conducting phenological observations and records of the harvest of dry matter and seeds), laboratory (determining the yield of dry matter and the structure of the seed cover), mathematical and statistical (objective evaluation of the obtained experimental data). Results. The feed and seed productivity of promising breeding samples of alfalfa in conditions of increased soil acidity (pH 5.2-5.4) was evaluated. Samples exceeding the standard Sinyukha variety by 6-33% (+0.75-4.14 t/ha) (11/21, 12/21, 14/21, 15/21, 16/ 21, 18/21, 23/21, 26/21, 29/21) were selected. 11 samples (1/21-6/21, 8/21, 19/21, 24/21, 26/21, 32/21) were characterized by relatively high seed productivity compared to the standard Sinyukha variety and the average interpopulation level (SMP) on + 8- 40%, or by 0.041-0.196 t/ha. Only two samples (11/21, 14/2) were able to exceed the standard Radoslava variety, which has a slightly higher feed productivity than the Sinyukha one by 0.83-1.27 t/ha (+5-8%). Among the promising samples in the nursery of the competitive variety testing only 3/21 and 8/21 exceeded the Radoslava variety by 13-23% (+0.08-0.139 t/ha) in terms of seed productivity. Conclusions. According to the research results of the two years of alfalfa grass stands use (sown in 2022-2023) in the nursery of competitive variety testing, promising breeding samples based on dry matter content and seed productivity were selected for further breeding. After refinement they will be used to create synthetic varieties tolerant to high acidity soil.