Seasonal production and persistence of a collection of introduced lucernes

Abstract

The persistence and seasonal production of six cultivars of lucerne (Medicago satiua) were compared with the Hunter River cultivar over a four-year period at the Parafield Research Centre, via Salisbury, South Australia. Considerable differences in seasonal production were demonstrated, African (C.P.I. 21610) producing 133 per cent more winter production than Hunter River over a three-year period. Lack of persistence in the winter vigorous cultivars had an adverse effect on production in the fourth year. Hunter River was the most persistent cultivar over the life of the trial and was not exceeded in production after the third summer.