Evaluation forage yield and quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) accessions in dryland conditions of Eastern Azerbaijan

In current research, the forage yield and quality of 49 accessions of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) were examined using simple lattice design with 2 replications under dryland farming system during 2005-2007 in the Agriculture Research Station of Khosroshahr -Eastern Azerbaijan. The traits: forage dry matter yield, plant height, growth vigour, flowering date, leaf to stem ratio and quality traits consisted of dry matter digestibility, crude protein, water soluble carbohydrates, crude fiber, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and total ash were evaluated during 2 years (2006-2007) . The results of combined analysis showed significant differences among accessions and among years. Total means of forage dry matter yield were 5.43 , 4.45 t/ha in years 2 and 3, respectively. The results of correlation analysis among traits indicated that selection for higher forage dry matter yield was produced with earlier flowering, tall plant height and major growth vigour. Considering to negative relationship of forage dry matter yield and quality, from between genotypes with high yield, mostly were selected high the amount of leaf to stem ratio, crude protein, dry matter digestibility, water soluble carbohydrates, and total ash and down amount of crude fiber, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber. For this purpose the genotypes of Khoramabad, Ghara yonja, Flavarjan, Ghazaghestan and Kordestan with average values of 6.5 – 8.5 t/ha forage dry matter yield were tendered for produced synthetic variety.