Evaluation of Eight Alfalfa Cultivars in a Cumulic Haplustolls of Southern Puerto Rico

Abstract

Herbage and crude protein yields of 8 non-hardy alfalfa (Medicago sativa) cultivars under irrigation were evaluated at the Fortuna Agricultural Research and Development Center during 1980-1981. First year yields were excellent and ranged from 26,453 to 32,660 kg/ha in 343 days. The best performance (yield and persistence) was obtained with Hayden PX-1, Florida 66, Mesa Sirsa, and UC-163. Yields were highest during the months of April, May, and June, and lowest during August. In 1981, yields were lower and ranged from 13,060 to 19,534 kg/ha in 218 days. The cultivars with the highest forage and crude protein yields during the 10 cuttings in 1980, were also highest during the 7 cuttings in 1981. After 17 cuttings, the persistence of Mesa Sirsa, Florida 66, Tanhuato, Hayden PX-1, and UC-163 was 87, 85, 77, 76, and 65%, respectively. Mean crude protein, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents for the 1980 cuttings were 21.5, 0.37, 3.44, 1.47, and 0.29%, respectively; for the 1981 cuttings, mean crude protein, phosphorus, and potassium contents were 23.2, 0.35, and 3. 11%, respectively.