International Journal of Agricultural Science Research Vol. 3(6), pp. 099-111, June 2014 ISSN 2327-3321 ©2014 Academe Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Identification of traits for lucerne ideotype under organic farming conditions

Amir Raza³*,^, Ali Moghaddam¹, Willibald Loiskandl², Margaritta Himmelbauer², Gabriele Gollner³, Jürgen K. Friedel³

¹Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Tehran, Iran.

²Institute of Hydraulics and Rural Water Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.

³Division of Organic Farming, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural, Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: amir.boku@gmail.com. Tel: 0092 324 5089725.

Accepted 26 June, 2014

Abstract

Information on yield and root traits of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) varieties used under organic farming conditions is currently lacking. Field experiments were conducted for two consecutive years (2007-2008) to generate information on the said traits and identify the traits that a lucerne ideotype shall possess under organic farming conditions. Experiments were conducted under irrigated and rainfed conditions near Vienna, Austria. Results revealed that differences among varieties were non-significant for the above- and below-ground biomass. Varieties tended to perform better under irrigated conditions as compared with rainfed conditions in both years of study mainly because of the effect of supplemental irrigation. Sitel was found to be the superior variety in high shoot and root dry matter yield and yield consistency and can be a suitable choice for use as parent in breeding lucerne for organic farming conditions. Desirable traits identified for lucerne improvement were shoot yield, relative water content and root biomass. Root traits shall be assigned high priority in selecting parents for breeding lucerne for organic farming conditions due to the dominant role of roots in water and nutrient uptake and source of residues left over in soil for turn over and long term improvement of soil health.

Key words: Crop improvement, Medicago sativa, relative water content, root biomass, yield.