Performance and Chemical Composition of 18 Nondormant Alfalfa Cultivars at the Lajas Valley

Abstract

Eighteen alfalfa (Medicago sativa) cultivars were evaluated as to dry forage and crude protein yields at the Lajas Research and Development Center; there were 6 cuttings during a 232-day period. Dry forage yields ranged from 4,673 kgfha for Tanverde (lowest) to 11,675 kg/ha for Maracay (highest) cultivar. Good yields were also obtained with Florida 66, Moapa, Peruvian, Certified Mesa Sirsa, and Hayden PX-1 cultivars. Stand persistence declined markedly after the fifth harvest due to Phytophthora root rot infestation. Maracay, Florida 66, and Certified Mesa Sirsa showed the best persistence through the sixth cutting. Mean overall values for neutral-detergent fiber, acid-detergent fiber, lignin, cellulose, silica, crude protein, phosphorus, and potassium contents for the 18 cultivars were 34.86, 29.13, 10.22, 17.08, 1.42, 21.86, 0.36, and 2.08%, respectively. Insects were not a major problem in this study.