Evaluation of alfalfa cultivars in the "Zona da Mata" region of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

This work was carried out at Embrapa-Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Gado de Leite, Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil, in a lowland and aluvial soil. The objective was to evaluate alfalfa cultivars as forage for the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais state. Fourteen cultivars of alfalfa were evaluated using a randomized block design, with three replications, and plots measuring 3 m x 3 m. Sowing rate was 15 kg/ha of pure viable seeds, which were sown in furrows 20 cm apart. Seeds were inoculated with Rhizobium melilotii strain. Fertilization for establishment and production were done according to the soil chemical analysis and alfalfa nutritional requirements. The cultivars differed significantly in terms of dry matter yield potential, crude protein content, stem/leaf ratio and tolerance to insects and diseases. The cultivars Crioula and Cibola were included in the top group, for most of the parameters evaluated. Therefore, this cultivar can be recomended for forage production in the region.