16
Alfalfa Variety Trial
Klamath Experiment Station
R.L. Dovel and J. Rainey'
INTRODUCTION
Alfalfa varieties were evaluated for persistence and yield to help
producers identify appropriate varieties for production in the Klamath Basin.
Yield and persistence will be monitored over a five-year period.
PROCEDURES
Plots were established in August 1986. The trial consists of 48 released
and experimental alfalfa varieties arranged in a randomized complete block
design with four replications. Soil samples from the plots were analyzed and
the appropriate fertilizer applied prior to planting. A tank mix of EPTC and
benefin was applied prior to planting at 3 and 1.2 lb active ingredient
(ai)/A, respectively. Immediately after application the herbicide was disk
incorporated. Seed was drilled to a depth of 1/4 inch at a rate of 20 lbs/A
using a modified Kincaid drill. Plots were 5 x 30 feet with 5-foot borders
and alleyways. Alfalfa was sprinkler irrigated with a solid set system.
The plants were allowed to grow uncut through the first growing season.
Alfalfa was harvested in 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1990 when plants reached early
bud. Plots were harvested using a flail harvester with a three-foot-wide head.
All yields are reported on a dry weight basis.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Many very good, high-yielding alfalfa varieties are currently available.
Little difference in yield was seen between the majority of varieties grown.
Varieties that yielded significantly higher than Vernal include eleven
varieties averaging 6.4 tons/A or greater over the four years of this study.
There was no significant decline in forage yield of any variety by the third
year (Table 1). However, due to severe spring frost in 1990, yields declined
from an average of 6.9 tons/A in 1989 to 4.9 tons/A in 1990. This is probably
a temporary depression in yield as plant stands did not appear to be affected.
Most of the varieties tested are well adapted to the Klamath Basin;
however, if stands are expected to last past three to four years, further
testing is required.
1/ Assistant Professor and Biological Sciences Research Technician, respectively, Klamath Experiment Station, OR.
Acknowledgments: Appreciation is expressed to the following companies for
financial support for this trial: Allied Seed, DeKalb Seed, North American
Plant Breeders, Northrup King Co., Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Plant
Genetics, Union Seed Co., W-L Research.
17
Forage yield summaries of
48 alfalfa varieties from 1987 to 1990.
Plots were established in
the fall of 1986 at the Klamath Experiment Station, OR.
Table 1. Alfalfa Variety Trial Summary 1987 1990.
-
Entry
Yield
1989
tons/A
1988
PB 5444
PB 526
PB 532
PB 5432
Brute Brand
6.5
6.3
5.9
6.5
6.0
6.8
6.7
6.6
6.7
6.1
7.1
7.5
7.3
7.2
6.6
4.9
5.5
5.0
5.3
4.2
6.3
6.5
6.2
6.4
5.7
6
7
8
9
10
Max 85 Brand
Mission 123
Commander
Pike
Drummor
6.0
6.3
6.5
6.3
6.4
6.7
6.0
6.7
6.3
6.8
6.9
6.7
7.2
7.1
7.1
4.8
4.9
5.0
4.2
4.9
6.1
6.0
6.4
6.0
6.3
11
12
13
14
15
NK 83580
NK 83632
Phytor
Spreador II
WL 225
6.5
6.0
6.4
6.0
6.4
6.5
6.5
6.5
6.1
6.7
6.7
6.8
7.0
6.7
7.4
5.0
4.7
4.1
5.0
5.2
6.2
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.4
16
17
18
19
20
WL 315
WL 316
WL 320
83-2
GT 58
6.6
6.1
6.7
6.0
6.4
6.8
6.3
6.8
6.4
6.2
7.5
6.5
6.5
7.1
6.9
5.3
4.8
4.9
5.1
4.6
6.6
5.9
6.3
6.2
6.0
21
22
23
24
25
Apollo II
Arrow
Armor
Thunder
Peak
5.9
6.6
5.8
5.9
6.3
6.5
6.6
6.2
6.5
6.5
6.7
7.0
7.0
6.8
6.9
5.0
5.4
5.4
4.9
5.1
6.1
6.4
6.4
6.0
6.2
26
27
28
29
30
Blazer
Epic
Sparta
RS 3309
Excalibur
6.0
6.1
6.4
6.2
6.4
6.4
6.6
6.9
6.5
6.8
7.0
7.3
7.0
7.3
7.2
4.6
5.3
4.7
5.0
5.2
6.0
6.4
6.3
6.3
6.4
31
32
33
34
35
Centurion
Flint
York
Vortex
Sutter
6.7
5.8
6.0
6.3
5.6
6.5
6.2
6.4
6.8
5.9
6.9
6.8
6.8
7.1
6.3
4.7
4.9
4.8
5.3
4.6
6.2
6.0
6.0
6.4
5.6
36
37
38
39
40
Vector
DK 120
DK 135
Vernal
Guardian
6.7
6.4
6.0
6.0
5.9
6.7
6.6
6.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
6.8
6.8
6.7
6.9
5.1
4.8
4.7
4.8
5.2
6.4
6.2
6.0
5.9
6.1
41
42
43
44
45
Sentinel
Sentry
Atra 55
Ranger
Nomad
5.9
6.0
6.0
6.5
5.4
6.2
6.3
6.5
6.7
6.1
6.3
6.9
7.0
7.0
6.3
5.0
5.0
5.2
5.1
4.3
5.8
6.1
6.2
6.3
5.5
46
47
48
Rambler
Iroquois
Lahontan
6.2
6.3
6.0
6.5
6.9
6.2
6.9
7.4
7.0
4.4
5.5
4.6
6.0
6.6
6.0
Mean:
CV (%)
LSD (0.05)
6.2
7.0
0.6
6.5
5.9
0.5
6.9
7.1
0.7
4.9
7.2
0.5
6.1
7.1
0.4
1
2
3
4
5
1990
Avg.
1987