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Variety traits

Winter Hardiness of Alfalfa

Medicago sativa L.

A trait determining the longevity of the stand and yield stability of alfalfa, which is assessed based on the degree of dormancy and the intensity of spring regrowth.

In the reference 39 varieties crop Alfalfa, where this is mentioned in the description.

To assess the adaptation of alfalfa to low temperatures, an international scale of dormancy ranging from 1 to 9 is used. Varieties in groups 2–5 possess increased winter hardiness, as they enter dormancy earlier and accumulate more nutrient reserves in the root system, unlike varieties in groups 6–11, which exhibit active autumn growth.

The highest winter hardiness is found in yellow alfalfa (Medicago falcata), which serves as the basis for developing variegated hybrid varieties. More winter-hardy forms of alfalfa often feature a prostrate rosette growth habit, whereas less winter-hardy ones have an upright form.

A key agronomic factor in realizing winter hardiness potential is the timing of the final cutting, which should be completed 30–45 days before the onset of persistent frosts. Violating this timing prevents plants from accumulating nutrients in their roots, leading to stand thinning and a reduction in the period of productive use.

General information about the subject — on the page Winter hardiness.

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.

Plato

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

SAATZUCHT PLAUSSIG

DE HR PL SI
17 records

Verko

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

VEB Saat und Pflanzgut (DE)

DE FR HR HU PL SI
14 records

Artemis

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Barenbrug Holland BV (NL)

AT DE FR PL
11 records

Alpha

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Barenbrug Holland BV (NL)

AT CZ DE FR PL
11 records

Andantino

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Florimond Desprez Veuve et Fils, FR

CZ DE EE FR PL
12 records

Mezzo

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Klaus K. Nielsen

CZ FR NL UA
10 records

Harpe

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Vincent Beguier

FR PL UA
8 records

Creno

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Klaus K. Nielsen

AT LT PL UA
7 records

Ludelis

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE) , Agri-Obtentions S.A.

AT DE FR
9 records

Kamila

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Vaclav Stradal

CZ DE UA
11 records

Sutter

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

PLANT GENETICS

ES
9 records

Aquarius

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

NEW SOUTH WALES DEP.OF AGRIC.

IT
12 records

Rachel

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Verneuil Holding (FR)/Semunion Sarl (FR)

FR UA
8 records

Warotte

Protection expired

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

HAHN| Hahn & Karl Saatenhandel GmbH.

AT DE FR SK
7 records

Sibemol

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Florimond Desprez Veuve et Fils, FR

DE FR
9 records

Alexis

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Barenbrug Holland BV (NL)

FR HR PL
6 records

Legend

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Vista Research

BG PL
7 records

Pr55v48

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Tomasich Josef

BG RO UA
8 records

Dimitra

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

CONTINENTAL SEMENCES S P A

UA
5 records

Oslava

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

AGROGEN, spol. s r.o. (CZ)

CZ
6 records

Azzurra

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

S.I.S Societa Italiana Sementi S.p.a.

IT
6 records

Emiliana

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

ROBERTO GUARNIERI

IT
5 records

Bardine

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Barenbrug Holland BV (NL)

FR PL RO
7 records

Malvina

Active

Medicago sativa L. · Alfalfa

Lietuvos agrarinių ir miškų mokslų centras

LT UA
5 records