Breeder's Corner - alfalfa

    Alfalfa is already an economically useful crop, but there is plenty more we can do to improve it.

    23/02/2017


    Selective breeding improves alfalfa's performance

    Right now we are conducting a series of worldwide trials to learn more about the yield levels, disease resistance and winter hardiness of our existing portfolio – and to pave the way for new and improved varieties.

    At our breeding centre in northern France we have recently invested in the well-known genepool from Florimond-Desprez. And in many countries across Europe we are conducting a range of national variety trials.

    In our current programme, the main germ plasm comes from varieties with a dormancy score in the range 4 to 5. This is the most common type used across much of Central, Eastern and Northern Europe.


    DLF breeding programme

    Our breeding programme aims to raise performance in the following areas:

    • Improve dry-matter yield
    • Improve feeding quality
      • Raised protein content
      • Better digestibility
    • Improve lodging resistance (standability)
    • Strengthen robust triple resistance to:
      • Stem nematodes
      • Verticillium
      • Colletotrichum (anthracnose)


    Some of the registered varieties

    • SALSA, combines a top yield with nematode resistance
    • FADO, provides top protein levels and good disease tolerance
    • MEZZO, has a very high dry-matter yield and excellent standability
    • LUDELIS, is a specialist for sub-optimal soil conditions
    • CRENO, is a winter-hardy winner


    Click here to read more about our alfalfa varieties.

    Find a ForageMax® mixture containing alfalfa.
    (Use the filter by ticking off 'Alfalfa' on the left side of the page).