10
Alfalfa Variety Trial
Klamath Experiment Station, 1987
R.L. Dovel and J. Raineyl
Introduction
This trial was established to evaluate 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 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 a.i./A, respectively. Immediately after application the herbicide was incorporated by disking.
Seed was drilled to a depth of 1/4 inch using a modified Kincaid drill at a
rate of 20 lbs/A. Plots were 5 x 30 feet with 5-foot borders and alleyways.
Irrigation was supplied with a solid set sprinkler system during establishment and throughout the first and second growing seasons.
The plants were allowed to grow uncut through the first growing season.
Three harvests were taken in 1987 when plants reached late bloom. 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
Little difference in yield occurred between most varieties during the
first harvest year. Most higher-yielding varieties were intermediate types
with less-dormant types yielding higher than more dormant varieties. The
difference between winter-dormant and less-dormant types was more pronounced
in the first and third cuttings when dormancy affected growth. The yields
observed in 1987 reflect the ability of these varieties to establish and grow
over a short period of time. The winter of 1986 was very mild by Klamath
Basin standards. The relative ranking of these varieties will undoubtedly
change as harsher winter conditions are encountered.
1/ Assistant Professor and Experimental Biology Technician, respectively,
Klamath Experiment Station.
Acknowledgements: 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.
11
Alfalfa Variety Trial; forage yields during 1987 on plots established in August
1986. Klamath Experiment Station, Oregon State University.
VARIETY
June 18
(Tons/A)
HARVEST DATESept.14
AuR.3
Total
Percent
of Vernall
(Tons/A)
(Tons/A)
(Tons/A)
1) WL 320
2) CENTURION
3) 83B32
4) ARROW
5) WL :315
2.8
2.9
2.9
2.8
2.8
2.1
2.0
2.1
2.1
2.2
1.7
1.8
1.7
1.7
1.5
6.7
6.7
6.7
6.6
6.6
112
112
112
110
110
6) NK 83580
7) COMMANDER
8) PB 5444
9) RANGER
10) PB 5432
2.7
2.7
2.8
2.6
2.7
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.1
2.0
1.8
1.8
1.6
1.7
1.7
6.5
6.5
6.5
6.5
6.4
110
109
108
108
108
11) EXCALIBUR
12) SPARTA
13) DK 120
14) WL 225
15) GT 58
2.9
2.7
2.6
2.8
2.7
1.9
2.1
2.0
1.9
1.9
1.6
1.6
1.7
1.6
1.8
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
6.4
108
107
107
107
106
16) DRUMMOR
17) PHYTOR
18) PEAK
19) IROQUOIS
20) PB 526
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.6
2.7
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.7
1.7
1.6
1.7
1.6
6.4
6.4
6.3
6.3
6.3
106
106
106
106
106
21) 83B27
22) MISSION 123 BRAND
23) PIKE
24) RS 3309
25) RAMBLER
2.7
2.6
2.5
2.7
2.8
1.9
2.0
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.7
1.6
1.8
1.6
1.5
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.2
6.2
105
105
104
104
103
26) WL 316
27) EPIC
28) DK 135
29) MAX 85 BRAND
30) LAHONTAN
2.6
2.6
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.0
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.8
1.6
1.6
1.7
1.6
1.7
6.1
6.1
6.0
6.0
6.0
103
101
101
101
101
31) ATRA 55
32) SENTRY
33) BRUTE BRAND
34) SPREADER II
35) VERNAL
2.6
2.6
2.4
2.6
2.6
1.9
1.8
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.6
1.6
1.7
1.5
1.5
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
101
100
100
100
100
36) NX 83632
37) BLAZER
38) 83B35
39).83-2
40) THUNDER
2.6
2.5
2.5
2.5
2.5
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.9
1.6
1.6
1.5
1.5
1.5
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
5.9
100
100
100
100
99
41) PB 532
42) 005-S
43) APOLLO II
44) 003-G
45) ARMOR
2.5
2.6
2.5
2.4
2.3
1.9
1.8
1.8
1.9
2.0
1.5
1.6
1.6
1.6
1.5
5.9
5.9
5.9
5.9
5.8
99
99
99
98
97
46) 8 3B37
47) 83C63
48) NOMAD
2.5
2.3
2.5
1.7
1.8
1.6
1.5
1.5
1.3
5.8
5.6
5.4
96
94
90
2.6
11.3
.4
1.9
10.7
.3
1.6
9.6
.2
6.2
7.0
.6
103
:
Mean
CV
LSD(0.05)
1/
Based on Total Yield