Growth and Yield of Introduced Alfalfa
(Medicago sativa L.) Cultivars in Korea

Moo-Sung Kim and Se-Young Kim
Department of Agronomy, Kyung-Hee University, Suwon Campus, Suwon, Korea

This study was conducted to select the best adapted alfalfa cultivars among 32 introduced cultivars from the United States into Korean environmental conditions. Plant height and dry matter yield per cultivar was determined. Three replications of 32 plots incomplete randomized block were used in the experimental field at Kyung-Hee University, Suwon Campus, Korea to evaluate. Alfalfa cultivars used in this experiment included dormant types, Husky, Milkmaker, Pioneer brand 526, Pioneer brand 5444, Pioneer brand 532, Pioneer brand 545, Drummor, Blazer, DeKalb brand 120, DeKalb brand 135, Raidor, Challenger, Arrow, semi-dormant types, LS-1920, LS-214, Pioneer brand 555, Pioneer brand 581, Amador, Pike, Salute, Magnum, DeKalb brand 167, DeKalb brand 187, Decathlon, Armor, Diamond and non-dormant types, Pioneer brand 5929, Florida 77, Maxidor, Pierce, and Sapphire. Test plots were seeded conventionally prepared seed beds. Lime and fertilizers were incorporated into the soil prior to seeding. Seeds were inoculated with 3 strains of Rhizobium bacteria. Plots were seeded in 3 rows with 20cm row spacings. Plots were harvested 4 times by cutting in the one-tenth blooming stage during the growing season. Plant height and dry matter yield were measured. Mean values of 4 harvests in a year for plant height in centimeters and dry matter yield in tons per acre were recorded. The seven highest ranked cultivars from the 32 alfalfa cultivars tested for plant height are: Diamond>Milkmaker>Arrow>Challenger>Sapphire>DeKalb brand 135>LS-1920, and the seven lowest ranked cultivars are: Pioneer brand 5929LS-1920>Challenger>Salute> Diamond>Decathlon>Pioneer brand 581 and the seven lowest ranked cultivars are: Maxidor< Pioneer brand 5929< Pioneer brand 532 Previous Page