TESTING A SELECTION OF ALFALFA VARIETIES FOR ECOLOGICAL PLASTICITY, PRODUCTIVITY AND A NUMBER OF QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS

The cultivation of alfalfa has an essential role in ensuring the required fodder, but the achievement of cropping performances e.g. proper yield persistence, winter hardiness, competition capacity, ecological plasticity, depends on a multitude of technological, environmental, and genetic factors. The selection of suitable varieties for cultivation in pure stands or more perennial and productive mixtures with other perennial legumes and grasses is a key element for a successful crop. The objective of the study was to characterize the bio-productive and forage quality performances of 18 alfalfa varieties available for cultivation in Romania, originating from Romania and abroad. in the eco-climatic conditions specific to the Romanian Plain. The screening of these performances that substantiate the appreciation of the biological yield was based on detailed experiences in the field and laboratory. A set of representative indicators was selected for measurements, determinations, and observations, including growth rate, tillering, leaf:stem ratio, forage quality indicator. average crop yield and canopy height. It was found that Romanian varieties presented improved ecological plasticity compared to the foreign varieties in the eco-climatic conditions of the experimental site.