Variety traits

Alfalfa Germination

Medicago sativa L.

The laboratory germination rate of alfalfa includes hard seeds as normally germinated. Actual field emergence is significantly lower than laboratory germination due to the presence of a dense seed coat and soil factors.

In the reference 4 varieties crop Alfalfa, where this is mentioned in the description.

The laboratory germination rate of alfalfa seeds is typically 80–95%, with hard seeds that do not swell due to a dense seed coat being classified as normally germinated according to standards. For sowing, seeds with a germination rate of at least 75–80% are permitted, depending on the seed category.

Field emergence of alfalfa varies between 30–85%, which must be taken into account when calculating seeding rates to achieve optimal plant density. To improve germination, seeds are subjected to scarification, which compromises the seed coat integrity; however, excessive mechanical impact may increase the risk of seed infection by pathogens.

General information about the subject — on the page Germination capacity.

Sources8

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.