Evaluation of yield potential and some agronomic traits variability in Mediterranean alfalfa cultivars in the field under Tunisian conditions

  • Benabderrahim Mohamed Ali, HamzaHammadi, Haddad Mansour and Ferchichi Ali
Keywords: Medicago sativa, yield, mediterranean basin, diversity.

Abstract

Sixteen alfalfa populations, originating from the Mediterranean basin, were investigated under field conditions in Tunisia.This
research aimed to evaluate the adaptation of cultivars to oases conditions of North Africa. The diversity among ecotypes was
studied for potential yield and using some agronomic characters. The fall harvest had given the lower fresh yield in all
populations and the greatest was recorded in the harvest of spring season. In addition, fresh yields were significantly different (p
< 0.001) among populations, except at spring harvest. No significant differentiation was observed between populations in dry
matter of both summer and spring harvest. Five agronomic characters showed significant differences between populations
(p<0.001). Weeds and snail presence were negatively influenced to biomass production. However, covering and dormancy were
positively related to biomass production and they can be used as early production indicators. Three groups were identified by
cluster analysis independently of geographical origins.
Published
31-03-2012
How to Cite
Benabderrahim Mohamed Ali, HamzaHammadi, Haddad Mansour and Ferchichi Ali
Evaluation of yield potential and some agronomic traits variability in Mediterranean alfalfa cultivars in the field under Tunisian conditions. 2012. Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 3 1, 612-620. Retrieved from https://ejplantbreeding.org/index.php/EJPB/article/view/515
Issue
Vol 3 No 1 (2012)
Section
Research Article

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