ارزيابي خصوصيات اكوتيپ هاي يونجه مناطق سردسيري

Evaluation of Cold-Region Ecotypes of Alfalfa Characteristics

In order to study some characteristics of 21 Iranian cold-region alfalfa ecotypes and to determine suitable ones, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications during 1998-2001 at Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of East Azarbaijan province for four years. Significant differences were found among ecotypes for fresh and dry yields and plant height. These traits can be used to select suitable ecotypes. In addition to these traits, there were also significant difference for seed yield, trifoliate and plant form, but the difference for leaf/ shoot ratio was not significant. Gulleh-bani and Malekkandi ecotypes produced highest fresh yields (28.4 and 27.3 ton/ha) respectively and the lowest fresh weight yield belonged to Kourzeh (Hamadani) ecotype (15.6 ton/ha). The highest and lowest dry weight yielders were Malekkandi and Kourzeh ecotypes. Clusters analysis grouped the 21 ecotypes into three groups. Results of this study showed that Galleh-bani and Malekkandi ecotypes are both higher fresh and dry weight yielders. Ordubadi ecotype is suitable for seed production and Tazeh-kand ecotype for high leaf/shoot ratio.