Increase of Yield and Quality in Lucerne by Applying Classical Methods and Biotechnological Approaches

D. V. KERTIKOVA¹, M. G. VLAHOVA², A. V. ILIEVA¹ and A. I. ATANASSOV²

¹ Forage Research Institute, BG-5800 Pleven, Bulgaria
² Institute of Genetic Engineering, BG-2232 Kostinbrod-2, Bulgaria

Abstract

KERTIKOVA, D. V., M. G. VLAHOVA, A. V. ILIEVA and A. I. ATANASSOV, 2000. Increase of yield and quality in lucerne by applying classical methods and biotechnological approaches. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 6: 507-512

One of the main tasks in the breeding programme of the FRI-Pleven and the IGE-Kostinbrod was the development of a lucerne variety by classical and biotechnological methods. After a 13-year experimental work and joint efforts the variety ideal was achieved.
By breeding of lines and three cycles of selection for vigor, productivity and quality of forage mass a synthetic population of lucerne the initial forms of which are obtained by means of biotechnological practices was developed.
The new population is superior in dry matter yield (by 10.5%), forage quality and persistence to the variety Obnova 10 regionalized in Bulgaria. The better values of crude protein, crude fiber, essential amino acids etc. higher the standard, are due to stem morphology (branches and thickness).

Key words: Medicago sativa L., selection, dry matter yield, quality

Abbreviations: CP-crude protein, CF-crude fiber, S-saponin, DMD-digestibility of dry matter, AA-amino acid