Target Alfalfa offers strong disease resistance, good yield, high forage quality and special traits.
Balancing Yield and Winter Survival
The first step when selecting a variety is to identify the balance between Fall Dormancy (FD) for optimum high yield and Winter Survival Index (WSI) ratings for long term yield.
Fall Dormancy Ratings provide seed buyers information about a variety’s growth response to declining day length and cooling temperatures in late summer and fall. Varieties are compared to known checks and assigned a Fall Dormancy Rating per standardized protocols developed by the North American Alfalfa Improvement Council (NAAIC). Usually, select varieties with the higher Fall Dormancy Ratings adapted to your area will optimize yield.
| Fall Dormancy Ratings (FD) | ||
| Check Varieties | Ratings | Category |
| Maverick | 1 | Dormant |
| Vernal | 2 | Dormant |
| 5246 | 3 | Dormant |
| Legend | 4 | Dormant |
| Archer | 5 | Dormant |
| Abi 700 | 6 | Semi-Dormant |
| Dona Anna | 7 | Semi-Dormant |
| Pierce | 8 | Non-Dormant |
| Cuf 101 | 9 | Non-Dormant |
| UC-1887 | 10 | Non-Dormant |
| UC-1465 | 11 | Non-Dormant |
Winter Survival Index Ratings provide seed buyers with information about a variety’s persistence at multiple locations after winter and spring green-up. Varieties are compared to known checks and assigned a WSI rating per standardized protocols developed by the NAAIC. Usually, selecting varieties with a Fall Dormancy adapted to your area with a good (3) or better rating (2 or 1) will optimize yield.
| Winter Survival Index (WSI) | ||
| Check Varieties | Rating | Category |
| ZG 9830 | 1 | Superior |
| 5262 | 2 | Very Good |
| WL 325 HQ | 3 | Good |
| G-2852 | 4 | Moderate |
| Archer | 5 | Low |
| Cuf 101 | 6 | Non-Winterhardy |
Multiple Pest Resistance (MPR)
Multiple Pest Resistance (MPR) begins with a variety’s reaction to the six major diseases of alfalfa (Aphanomyces Root Rot, Anthracnose, Bacterial wilt, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora Root Rot and Verticillium wilt) as measured by standardized tests developed by the NAAIC and presented by marketers as a variety’s Disease Rating Index (DRI). For each of the six major diseases of alfalfa, a variety is given 5 points for each HR, 4 points for each R, 3 points for each MR, 2 points for each LR and 1 point for each S. 30 points is the highest score. Select varieties with a high DRI rating if yield and WSI meet your criteria.
| Pest Resistance Ratings | ||
| ResistanceClass | % ResistantPlants | ClassAbbreviation |
| Susceptible | 0-5% | S |
| Low Resistance | 6-14% | LR |
| Moderate Resistance | 15-30% | MR |
| Resistant | 31-50% | R |
| High Resistance | >50% | HR |
There are several major pests of alfalfa that may be a threat in your production area and may be a part of your variety selection criteria. Are any of the following a concern?
Nematodes
Aphanomyces Race 2
Pea Aphid
Potato Leafhopper
Check out the traits below to help deal with a special problem on your operation
Salinity Tolerance
Traffic Tolerance
Herbicide Tolerance