Medicago sativa, Stade végétatif sur Luzerne, domaine d'Estrées-Mons. Crédit photo : PREUDHOMME Matthieu
feed value and seed production in the forage alfalfa

Breeding for feed value and seed production in the forage legume alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Alfalfa is a forage legume that is recognized for its ability to produce the highest protein yield per hectare of all temperate legumes.

The forage energy value and seed production of alfalfa are key components in the use of this forage legume and the competitiveness of seed companies. INRA has carried out scientific studies to evaluate the potential for the genetic improvement of these two traits, proposed criteria to assess them in breeding programmes and illustrated the findings by the creation of two varieties that were registered in 2013. Energy value has been evaluated by the CTPS during the registration procedure for alfalfa varieties since 2003.

 → the report