Variability and relationships of important alfalfa germplasm agronomic traits

Background and Purpose: The objective of this paper was to establish variability as well as to estimate stability of the most important alfalfa agronomic traits, with respect to germplasms of different origin. Correlations between the investigated traits were also analysed, since data on relationships are of great importance in selection, especially in traits with low genetic variability. Material and Methods: Experimental material consisted of 12 alfalfa germplasms. Investigation was carried out during a two-year period on two locations, at two different soil types. The field trial was arranged according to the randomised block design with four replications. Results and Conclusions: There was a statistically significant difference of green mass yield from 59.43 t ha–1 (Astra) to 69.04 t ha–1 (PCP), of dry matter from 12.26 t ha–1 (Astra) to 14.10 t ha–1 (PCP), of proteins from 2.49 t ha–1 (Panonija) to 3.03 t ha–1 (PCP), of plant height from 54.67 cm (OS – 90) to 60.82 (Elena), of leaf ratio to green mass from 51.03% (Elena) to 53.56% (Panonija) and of protein content in dry matter from 19.86% (Posavina) to 20.96% (PCP). There were positive correlations between green mass yield, dry matter, protein level and plant height, leaf ratio in green mass was in a negative correlation to yields and plant height. High and stable green mass yields were provided by germplasm OS-88, Du Puits, Elena, Posavina, Vuka and the breeding population PCP in various environmental conditions of plant growth.