Publication Date
1993
Description
Forage quality in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) may be improved by selection for increased branching to dilute stem bases with less lignified branch tissue. This research was done to determine the effects of selection for branching on growth and forage quality of alfalfa stems. Divergent selection for the mass ratio of aidllary. to main stems (AMR) was done within 2 alfalfa cultivars and tested at 2 locations. High-AMR genotypes had about 16% greater AMR than low-AMR genotypes. Although differences in AMR existed, i11 vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) concentration of total stems and stem branches did not differ between divergent groups. Mean IVDDM of main stems was 1-2% greater for low-AMR genotypes than for highAMR genotypes. Percentage dilution of main-stem IVDDM by branches, however, was 13.9-17.2% for high-AMR genotypes and 11.7-15.0% for low-AMR genotypes. Selection for increased branching should not decrease herbage yield but should increase dilution of main stem bases.
Citation
Kephart, K D.; Boe, A; and Bortnem, R, "Alfalfa Stem Architecture Effects on Forage Quality" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 23.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session12/23
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Alfalfa Stem Architecture Effects on Forage Quality
Forage quality in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) may be improved by selection for increased branching to dilute stem bases with less lignified branch tissue. This research was done to determine the effects of selection for branching on growth and forage quality of alfalfa stems. Divergent selection for the mass ratio of aidllary. to main stems (AMR) was done within 2 alfalfa cultivars and tested at 2 locations. High-AMR genotypes had about 16% greater AMR than low-AMR genotypes. Although differences in AMR existed, i11 vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) concentration of total stems and stem branches did not differ between divergent groups. Mean IVDDM of main stems was 1-2% greater for low-AMR genotypes than for highAMR genotypes. Percentage dilution of main-stem IVDDM by branches, however, was 13.9-17.2% for high-AMR genotypes and 11.7-15.0% for low-AMR genotypes. Selection for increased branching should not decrease herbage yield but should increase dilution of main stem bases.
