Variety traits

Alfalfa Fall Dormancy

Medicago sativa L.

Fall dormancy is a characteristic of alfalfa's response to shortening photoperiods and cooling temperatures, determining the intensity of autumn growth and the rate of spring regrowth. The dormancy index is measured on a scale from 1 to 11, where low values indicate deep dormancy and high values in…

In the reference 99 varieties crop Alfalfa, where this is mentioned in the description.

The dormancy index is a key indicator of an alfalfa variety's adaptability to regional climatic conditions. Varieties with low index values of 1 to 3 are characterized by a deep dormant state, ceasing growth early in the autumn and regrowing slowly in the spring, which provides them with high winter hardiness in harsh climatic zones. Conversely, varieties with scores of 8 to 11 do not enter a dormant state, actively vegetating until late autumn and regrowing rapidly after each cutting.

Selecting the optimal fall dormancy group allows for balancing productivity potential and stand longevity. The use of varieties with an excessively high dormancy index in regions with cold winters leads to winterkill due to the depletion of carbohydrate reserves in the roots, which are consumed for growth during unfavorable periods. Proper selection of the dormancy index ensures the maintenance of cold tolerance and the accumulation of nutrients necessary for overwintering and subsequent spring development.

General information about the subject — on the page Maturity group.

Sources3

Varieties of Alfalfa mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.