15
Alfalfa Variety Trial
Klamath Experiment Station, 1989
R.L. Dovel and J. Rainey'
INTRODUCTION
This trial evaluated the ability of alfalfa varieties to yield and
persist 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 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 during establishment and throughout
the first and second growing seasons.
The plants were allowed to grow uncut through the first growing
season. Plots were harvested in 1987, 1988 and 1989 when plants reached
early bud. Plots were harvested using a flail harvester with a threefoot-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 included in this trial. Varieties that yielded significantly
higher than Vernal include eleven varieties averaging 6.8 tons/A or
greater over the three years of this study. There was no significant
decline in forage yield of any variety by the third year (Table 1).
Most of the varieties tested are well-adapted to the Klamath Basin;
however, if stands are expected to last past three to four years, futher
testing is required.
1/ Assistant Professor and Biological Sciences Research Technician,
respectively, Klamath Experiment Station
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.
16
Table 1. Alfalfa Varie ty Trial Summary, 1987-1989. Summary of 19871989 total-season yields of 48 varieties established at the
Klamath Experiment Station in August 1986.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
Entry
1987
Yield (Tons/A)
1989
1988
PB 5444
PB 526
PB 532
PB 5432
Brute Brand
Max 85 Brand
Mission 123
Commander
Pike
Drummor
NK 83580
NK 83632
Phytor
Spreador II
WL 225
WL 315
WL 316
WL 320
83-2
GT 58
Apollo II
Arrow
Armor
Thunder
Peak
Blazer
Epic
Sparta
Champ
Excalibur
Centurion
Flint
York
Vortex
Sutter
Vector
DK 120
DK 135
Vernal
003-G
005-S
Sentry
Atra 55
Ranger
Nomad
Rambler
Iroquois
Lahontan
6.5
6.3
5.9
6.5
6.0
6.0
6.3
6.5
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.0
6.4
6.0
6.4
6.6
6.1
6.7
6.0
6.4
5.9
6.6
5.8
5.9
6.3
6.0
6.1
6.4
6.2
6.4
6.7
5.8
6.0
6.3
5.6
6.7
6.4
6.0
6.0
5.9
5.9
6.0
6.0
6.5
5.4
6.2
6.3
6.0
6.8
6.7
6.6
6.7
6.1
6.7
6.0
6.7
6.3
6.8
6.5
6.5
6.5
6.1
6.7
6.8
6,3
6.8
6.4
6.2
6.5
6.6
6.2
6.5
6.5
6.4
6.6
6.9
6.5
6.8
6.5
6.2
6.4
6.8
5.9
6.7
6.6
6.5
6.0
6.5
6.2
6.3
6.5
6.7
6.1
6.5
6.9
6.2
7.1
7.5
7.3
7.2
6.6
6.9
6.7
7.2
7.1
7.1
7.3
6.8
7.0
6.7
7.4
7.5
6.5
6.5
7.1
6.9
6.7
7.0
7.0
6.8
6.9
7.0
7.3
7.0
7.3
7.2
6.9
6.8
6.8
7.1
6.3
7.0
6.8
6.8
6.7
6.9
6.3
6.9
7.0
7.0
6.3
6.9
7.4
7.0
6.8
6.8
6.6
6.8
6.2
6.5
6.3
6.8
6.6
6.8
6.8
6.4
6.6
6.3
6.8 •
7.0
6.3
6.7
6.5
6.5
6.4
6.7
6.3
6.4
6.6
6.5
6.7
6.8
6.7
6.8
6.7
6.3
6.4
6.7
5.9
6.8
6.6
6.4
6.2
6.4
6.1
6.4
6.5
6.7
5.9
6.5
6.9
6.4
Average
CV(X)
LSD (0.05)
6.2
7.0
0.6
6.5
5.9
0.5
6.9
7.1
0.7
6.5
7.0
0.5
AVG