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

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate and select the alfalfa cultivars (Medicago sativa L.) best adapted to the climate and soil of Zona da Mata, in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The trial was carried out at Embrapa Gado de Leite, in the experiment station located in Coronel Pacheco, MG, using a randomized complete block design with two replications. Fifty-nine cultivars studied between Sept. 9, 1999 and Dec. 10, 2001 were submitted to 16 evaluating cuts. Dry matter production (DMP), plant height (PH), vigor (VG), flowering percent (FLO), leaf/stem ratio (RFC) and disease (D) and pests (P) occurrence were observed. There were significant differences among cultivars regarding to DMP, PH, VG, FLO and D. Cultivars P-30, Crioula C-3 and Crioula C-2 showed the highest DMP (13,17; 13,13; 13,00 e 12,48 t/ha/year, respectively). Taller FLO (18,98%) and PH (54,13 cm) were observed during the cuts done during the Summer compared to those done during the Winter (6,11% and 46,60 cm, respectively). Based on the results of the trial, the cultivars P-30, Crioula C-1, Crioula C-3 and Crioula C-2 were selected.