Assessment of cultivation efficiency of several cultivars of blue lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) in the conditions of Shirak region of Armenia
¹Armenian State Pedagogical University after Kh. Abovyan, 17 Tigran Mets Ave., AM 0010 Yerevan, Armenia
²Scientific Center of Agriculture CJSC of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, Issi-Le Mulino 1 Str, AM1101 Ejmiatsin, Armavir region, Armenia
³Gyumri Breeding Station CJSC of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, Shirak Marz, Akhuryan village, Armenia
⁴Center for Agricultural Research and Certification, State Non-Commercial Organization of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, Yerevanyan highway 2nd deadlock, building 4, Armavir Marz, AM1139 v. Merdzavan, Armenia
⁵Scientific Center for Risks Assessment and Analysis in Food Safety Area CJCS of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, Masisi Str., 107/2 Building, AM0071 Yerevan, Armenia
⁶Scientific Center of Agrobiotechnology, branch Armenian National Agrarian University, Issi-Le Mulino 1 Str, AM1101, Ejmiatsin, Armavir region, Armenia
*Correspondence: mhzadayan@gmail.com
Abstract:
Background: Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is a highly productive forage legume valued for its exceptional protein concentration, vitamin richness, digestible fiber, and bioactive compounds. One kilogram of lucerne green mass contains approximately 50 g of carotene, alongside calcium, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients, making it a cornerstone of sustainable livestock farming and a potential functional food source.
Objective: The study aimed to assess agro-biological traits, green mass and hay yield, seed productivity, and protein concentration of 29 introduced lucerne cultivars from the All-Russian Institute of Crop Production (VIR) compared with the traditional local cultivar ‘Aparani’ under the agro-climatic conditions of the Shirak region in Armenia.
Methods: Field experiments were conducted from 2019 to 2022 using a randomized design with four replications (plot size: 25 m²). Standard agronomic practices were applied. Protein concentration in seeds was determined by the Kjeldahl method, while dry matter and nitrogen values were analyzed at the Organic Agriculture Laboratory of ANAU. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, LSD, and relative error (Ex, %).
Results: Considerable variation was observed among cultivars in yield and adaptability. The Canadian cultivars ‘Admiral’ and ‘Adge’, the French cultivar ‘Derby’, and the American cultivar ‘Schild’ demonstrated the highest productivity. ‘Admiral’ showed superior early regrowth, growth vigor, leafiness, and seed productivity (8.8 c ha-1). Green mass yield reached 325.5 c ha-1 for ‘Admiral’ and 308.4 c ha-1 for ‘Adge’, while their seed protein concentrations were 16.3% and 15.6%, respectively, exceeding the local ‘Aparani’.
Conclusion: The results indicate that ‘Admiral’ and ‘Adge’ are highly suitable for the Shirak region due to their high yields, adaptability, and nutritional value. Their adoption could enhance fodder self-sufficiency, improve livestock productivity, and expand the role of lucerne as a functional food crop rich in protein and bioactive compounds.
Key words:
agro-climatic conditions, cultivar performance, forage legumes, lucerne, Medicago sativa L., protein concentration, yield efficiency