Effect of seed rate and row spacing on seed yield and yield components of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) var. Baghdadi

To investigate the effect of row spacing and seeding rate on Baghdadi alfalfa variety, a field experiment was carried out in the research field station, Khouzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Ahwaz, from 2006 to 2008. The experiment was performed in split plot arrangement in randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots were assigned to three row spacing (50, 60 and 70 cm) and sub-plots consisted of five seeding rates (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 kg seed.ha-1). Results showed that the effect of year on seed yield and yield components was significant (P < 0.01). Effect of row spacing on seed yield and yield components except of number pod.raceme-1 was significant (P < 0.01). Seed yield increased as the row spacing decreased. Seeding rate didnt have any significant effect on number of pod.raceme-1, seed.raceme-1 and 1000 seed weight.. Results also showed that the highest (656.7 kg.ha-1) and lowest (555.4 kg.ha-1) seed yield belonged to the row spacing of 50 and 70 cm, respectively. The highest (5447 kg.ha-1) and lowest (4113 kg.ha-1) biological yield were harvested from row spacing of 50 and 70 cm, with 15 kg.ha-1 seeding rate, respectively and. The highest number of inflorescences.m2 was recorded in row spacing of 50 cm. It was concluded that 15 kg.ha-1 seeding rate had the highest seed yield in Alfalfa var. Baghdadi due to increase in raceme number and seed weight.