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Seedling Characteristics to Predict Yield and Total N of Mature Alfalfa Plants¹

Recurrent selection in space planted nurseries has been used in developing varieties of alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. If seedling characteristics accurately predict high yielding mature plants, then nonproductive plants could be eliminated in the greenhouse before field transplanting in this type of selection program. In this investigation, seedling acetylene reduction (potential N₂-fixation), dry weight of seedling tops, and seedling size (based on a visual rating) were studied for usefulness in predicting yield and total N of mature plants.

All seedling measurements were positively and significantly correlated with one another. Similarly, all seedling measurements were significantly correlated with the first yield and total N of the spaced plants in the field. However, this significance decreased as spaced plants were harvested over years. This decline in significance may represent an effect due to maturity therefore casting doubt on the usefulness of seedling measurements to accurately predict performance of a perennial plant like alfalfa.

Key Words: Seedling acetylene reduction • Seedling size (visual rating) • Seedling top weight

² Assistant professor of Agronomy, Univ. of Georgia, Athens.

Received for publication January 13, 1981.