Release of ‘UF_AlfPers_2015’, a nondormant alfalfa cultivar for the southeastern United States

Abstract

AbstractThe alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivar ‘UF_AlfPers_2015’ (Reg. no. CV‐208, PI 702791) was developed by the Agronomy Department, a unit of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF‐IFAS), and was released in 2021. The need for high‐yielding and persistent nondormant alfalfa cultivars adapted to the southeastern United States continues to be a factor limiting the adoption and use of alfalfa in the region. A group of 17 alfalfa plants selected from a pasture of ‘Florida 99’ were intercrossed in isolation to produce UF_AlfPers_2015. The experimental line was evaluated for herbage accumulation (HA), persistence, and nutritive value in Florida and other states. UF_AlfPers_2015 had superior HA (20% greater than Florida 99 and 30% than ‘Bulldog 805’ on average) and improved persistence and showed similar nutritive value compared with other cultivars in Florida. UF_AlfPers_2015 had greater HA than ‘Alfagraze 600 RR’ in Gene Autry, OK, and similar HA compared with Bulldog 505 and Bulldog 805 in Gene Autry, OK; Vashti, TX; and Brooksville, MS. UF_AlfPers_2015 is a nondormant (fall dormancy 9) alfalfa cultivar. A US Plant Variety Protection application has been filed, and breeder seed will be maintained by the Agronomy Department of UF‐IFAS.