Western Research and Demonstration Farm

Determining the Mechanism of Yield Stability in Alfalfa

Authors: Joe L. Robinson (Iowa State College) , Heathcliffe Riday (Iowa State University) , E. Charles Brummer (Iowa State University)

Abstract

Year-to-year stability of crop yields is important for farmers and, hence, is an important goal of plant breeding programs. Especially in perennial crops like alfalfa, farmers need to know that they can count on consistent yields over a period of three or more years. Alfalfa varieties are composed of a population of many genetically distinct plants (or genotypes), unlike corn hybrids or soybean lines, which are genetically uniform.

Keywords: Agronomy

How to Cite: Robinson, J. L. , Riday, H. & Brummer, E. C. (2002) “Determining the Mechanism of Yield Stability in Alfalfa”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2001(1).