DETERMINATION OF YIELD AND QUALITY PARAMETERS OF SOME ALFALFA (MEDICAGO SATIVA L.) GENOTYPES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION OF TURKEY

The aim of the experiment was to determine forage yield and quality parameters of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes. Ten selected alfalfa genotypes were tested over three years (2015, 2016 and 2017) at the experimental field of the Bati Akdeniz Agricultural Research Institute in Antalya, Turkey. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Significant differences were observed between alfalfa genotypes in investigated traits. The highest average of green forage yield and dry matter yield were obtained from Gazipasa-1 genotype (12009.0 and 3387.6 kg da(-1), respectively). Maximal values for the forage quality traits were obtained from Konyaalti-1 genotype with 20.48 % crude protein (CP), Kepez-1 genotype with 34.05 % acid detergent fiber (ADF), Kemer-1 genotype with 44.53 % neutral detergent (NDF) fiber and Konyaalti-1 genotype with 147.64 relative feed value (RFV). According to the forage yield and quality parameters with general combination ability features, six superior alfalfa genotypes (Gazipasa-1, Aksu-2, Konyaalti-1, Finike-2, Kas-1, Demre-1) were selected for development of new synthetic (S-0) variety.