Correlation between Fall Dormancy and Production Performance of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Abstract

Background: Selection for fall dormancy (FD) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) can impact other traits, including dry matter yield (DMY), winter survival rate (WSR) and nutrient compositions. The current study was aimed to screen alfalfa varieties with greater yield, good quality and strong winter survival ability and thus are more suitable for planting in Heilongjiang, China and may be suitable for similar upper-latitude semiarid environments in the world. Methods: Eight alfalfa varieties (Zhaodong, Gongnong No. 2, Caribou, Gold Empress, Adrenalin, Sanditi, Sardi and WL525) were planted in regional test based on randomized block design and mowed during the early flowering stage from 2019 to 2021. The DMY, WSR and nutrient compositions were measured by weighing method, field investigation and chemical test, respectively. Result: There was a significant negative correlation (P less than 0.01) between the FD rating and WSR, with a correlation coefficient of 0.956. The three-year average DMY of Gongnong No. 2 was the greatest (12,745.65 kg ha-1) and there was a significant negative correlation (0.766, P less than 0.01) between the FD rating and DMY. The crude protein content of Gongnong No. 2 was greater (19.29%) than the other varieties. The Zhaodong had the least neutral detergent fiber (47.76%) and acid detergent fiber (30.79%).