Introduction and selection of 5 alfalfa cultivars in Longdong Region

The preliminary study about drought resistance and comparative trials of 5 alfalfa cultivars were carried out in Eastern Gansu Province during last 3 years. The studied cultivars included WL-343HQ, WL-903HQ, Surprise, Pioneer and Post Mark. The results showed that all of these five alfalfa cultivars could pass through winter safely which had wintering rates of above 90% except that variety of WL-343 HQ had wintering rates of 84.7%. The Pioneer had the highest production with the average hay yield of 8 789.4 kg·ha-1 which follow by WL-343HQ, Surprise, Post Mark, WL-903HQ. The Pioneer had the lowest stem-leaf ratio, water loss rate, malondialdehyde and highest proline content which suggested this cultivar had good quality and drought resistance. Among these studied cultivars, the Pioneer had optimal performance and was suitable for promoting in Longdong area as the preferred cultivars.