INSIDE:INSIDE:INSIDE:This guide contains information aboutThis guide contains information aboutThis guide contains information aboutbest practices for variety selection, best practices for variety selection, best practices for variety selection, paddock preparation and growing alfalfapaddock preparation and growing alfalfapaddock preparation and growing alfalfafor both grazing and hay production.for both grazing and hay production.for both grazing and hay production.

Seedmark International

Alfalfa Production Guide

PO Box 6175 Halifax Street, South Australia 5000 Australia

P +61 8 8234 9333 F +61 8 8221 5559

HERS0112SeedmarksInternationalAlfalfaGuideFA2OL.indd 1 4/12/2014 5:49 pm

2 3

Currently marketing in over 70 countries, Seedmark specialises in the development and promotion of over 40 proprietary and 75 common seed varieties. We are certainly proud of these achievements and also recognise they are a product of continued hard work, innovation, creativity, and a constant ambition to do things better for the overall seed industry.

At Seedmark, seed quality is an absolute commitment not just a marketing cliché, and that is because we know it translates into genetic purity, higher germination, better establishment, increased productivity and improved overall effi ciency.

Combined with this, logistics excellence is also something that stands behind everything we do. As timing becomes more critical, regulations increase, and weather conditions become more uncertain, we know that superior supply chain management becomes an ever increasing imperative.

A further contributor to our global track record and growth is our continual focus on seed research, development and promotion. Customers and growers alike are constantly seeking new opportunities and it is Seedmark’s role to identify, develop and deliver those opportunities. Likewise, new and improved versions of existing seed varieties are always under development, keeping the product pipeline open and delivering on our philosophy of continuous improvement.

Seedmark has a long history of working closely with a large number of research and development entities producing a vast range of species and cultivars dating back to its origin “Seedco” in the mid 1960’s. Seedmark and Grasslanz Technology (a wholly owned subsidiary of AgResearch Limited), entered into a joint Alfalfa breeding project which began in 2009. Grasslanz Technology Limited is a plant technology provider, developing proprietary technologies primarily delivered through seed. Grasslanz Technology works with an international network of investors and research organisations in order to develop new and innovative products, and establishing strategic alliances with companies in order to commercialise these products. The main focus of the Alfalfa Breeding Project is internationally market driven with its core targets being:

• High fall dormancy varieties (9,10,11)

• Rapid establishment and strong forage yield

• High seed yield

• Pest and disease tolerance

• Grazing tolerance

Following poly-crossing, lines are trialled and evaluated within real farming conditions at our nursery in the south-east of South Australia, where the best of these lines are selected for further intensive testing prior to being fully developed as a variety.

The project has already developed a number of poly-crosses based around material from well performed Australian and USA cultivars and breeding materials. The fi rst of these poly-crosses are currently undergoing seed bulk up in order to provide seed for further seed increases and trials are being undertaken in Australia and internationally, and for pest/disease screen with Crop Characteristics (USA). Currently it is proposed that there will be nucleus seed production in 2016 and commercialisation in 2018 of these new and innovative cultivars. Additional to these germplasm sources, a wider germplasm bank is being screened from the plant collection of persistent plants, elite cultivar crosses, USA cultivars, and interspecifi c hybrid material from the USA.

The breeding program looks forward to releasing cultivars in the coming years to suit a vast range of differing environments and conditions in order to fulfi l the demands of our global clientele.

Forage yield evaluation trial.

Alfalfa being tested under drought and sheep grazing conditions.

Field adoption and tolerance trial.

Warehouse/coating plant

Based in Adelaide, South Australia, Seedmark is one of the most respected seed companies in the Southern Hemisphere, exporting our products to the world!

Highly winter active Alfalfas are bred for late autumn/early winter sowing and have excellent seedling vigour for under-sowing. They have a more upright crown, erect growth habit and are well suited to a 2-4 year cropping rotation system in 400–600+ mm rainfall zones. They provide maximum growth from winter dominant growing season rainfall. Some of the newer Australian-bred varieties in this group have increased grazing tolerance because they were selected from and developed for broadacre grazing systems.

Alfamaster 11™ is one of the world’s fi rst alfalfa varieties with a dormancy rating of 11. It has been designed for high input/output farming systems and demonstrates excellent production and persistence under irrigation rotations with signifi cant improvements over Cuff from US trials, particularly when grown in desert environments. Alfamaster 11™ demonstrates unsurpassed seedling vigour and faster establishment compared to other highly winter active types and will form a very leafy and densely branched growth habit with large erect crowns. These features will allow Alfamaster 11™ to deliver superior productivity and performance compared to other highly winter active hay varieties and is best utilised for irrigated 2-3 year stand rotations. Alfamaster 11™ can be grown successfully for hay or silage and is a very productive variety under irrigation management.

Key features:

Dormancy 11 Highly Winter Active

Alfamaster 11TM

500 mm+ 5.5 - 8.0Deep well

drained

AL or Agristrike

Irrigation

• One of very few varieties worldwide available with a dormancy rating of 11• Ideally suited to hot, desert environments• Short-term rotations for high output farming• Excellent pest and disease resistance• Unsurpassed seedling vigour

Alfamaster 10® is a highly winter active variety with a dormancy rating of 10. It has been bred for excellent production and persistence under irrigation rotations achieving an average of 15% over and above CUF 101 in US trials. Alfamaster 10® demonstrates excellent seedling vigour and fast establishment compared to other highly winter active types and will form a very leafy and densely branched growth habit with large erect crowns. These features will allow Alfamaster 10® to deliver superior productivity and performance compared to many other highly winter active hay varieties, particularly when very productive stands need to be maintained for two to three years under irrigated situations. Alfamaster 10® can be grown successfully for hay or silage and is a very productive variety under irrigation management.

Key features:

• Highly winter active variety with a dormancy rating of 10• Provides an extra cut per year due to increased winter activity• Superior herbage production and excellent regrowth – on average 17% higher than CUF101• Highly resistant to Pea Aphid and Fusarium Wilt. Resistant to other aphid types, Anthracnose, Phytothera Root Rot,

Stem and Root Knot nemetodes and Bacterial Wilt• Superior option for short term rotation with maximised herbage production• Excellent seedling vigour

Dormancy 10 Highly Winter Active

Alfamaster 10® 500 mm+ 5.5 - 8.0

Deep well

drained

AL or Agristrike

Irrigation

HERS0112SeedmarksInternationalAlfalfaGuideFA2OL.indd 2-3 4/12/2014 5:50 pm

4 5

Alfamaster 9® is a highly winter active variety with a dormancy rating of 9. It has been bred for excellent forage production and persistence under irrigation rotations outcompeting CUF 101 by 24% in US trials. Alfamaster 9® demonstrates excellent seedling vigour and establishment compared to other varieties and will form a very leafy and densely branched growth habit with large erect crowns. These features will allow Alfamaster 9® to deliver improved productivity and performance compared to many other highly winter active varieties, particularly when highly productive stands need to be maintained for 2 to 3 years under irrigated situations. Alfamaster 9® can be grown successfully for hay or silage and is also a very productive variety under irrigation and rotational grazing management.

Key features:

• High winter active with a dormancy rating of 9• Increased herbage production per cut and per year – on average 21% over CUF101• Selected for better persistence and proven consistent production over the years• Highly resistant to Pea Aphid, Stam and Root Knot nemetodes, and Fusarium Wilt. Resistant to other aphid types,

Anthracnose, Phytothera Root Rot and Bacteria Wilt• Good regrowth after cutting or grazing• Excellent seedling vigour.

Dormancy 9 Highly Winter Active

Alfamaster 9®

500 mm + 5.5 - 8.0Deep well

drained

AL or Agristrike

Pegasis is a highly winter active variety with a dormancy rating of 9. It has been bred for excellent production and persistence in both irrigated and dryland situations. It has a very leafy and densely branched growth habit with large spreading crowns. This allows it to deliver improved performance compared to many other highly winter active varieties, particularly when productive stands need to be maintained for 3 to 4 years+. Pegasis can be grown successfully for hay or silage.

Key features:

• Bred for excellent production and persistence in both irrigated and dryland situations

• Excellent option when very productive plant stands need to be maintained for 3 - 4 years+ in rain-fed or irrigated conditions

• Very leafy and densely branched growth habit with large spreading crowns

• Highly resistant to Spotted Alfalfa Aphid, resistant to Pea Aphid and resistant to Phytophthora Root Rot

• Excellent forage quality when used as hay or silage.

Dormancy 9 Highly Winter Active Pegasis

350 mm + 5.8 - 8.0Deep well

drained

AL or Agristrike

Winter active alfalfas are the most versatile, providing good growth into late autumn and hold their quality longer than highly winter active varieties. Best suited to medium-term mixed farming situations that require grazing tolerance and the ability to make reasonable quality hay. They are ideal for irrigated or dryland production and are useful as a pure stand or as a perennial legume component in pasture blends for regions with 450 - 650 mm winter dominant rainfall. These alfalfas also make excellent permanent summer forage crops in the high rainfall dairy regions because they provide feed over a longer period than summer brassicas without the same insect problems.

Growers who have for many years enjoyed the benefi ts of Genesis alfalfa, will transition well into Genesis II. Selected from 68 parents within the NSW DPI alfalfa breeding program through the Australian Lucerne Alliance collaboration, Genesis II provides growers with an improved variety that has resistance to all three strains of Anthracnose and Phytophthora Root Rot, plus increased persistence over the trialling period. Genesis II has stable high yields and the required feed quality to satisfy both grazing and forage production markets.

Key features:

• 5% improved forage yield compared to Genesis

• Winter active variety resistant to major root diseases

• Well suited to hay and grazing production systems

• Excellent persistence with improvements over Genesis

• Demonstrates good resistance to major aphid groups

• Resistance to all three major strains of Anthracnose (NAAIC)

Dormancy 7 Winter ActiveGenesis II

350 mm + 5.8 - 8.0Deep well

drained

AL or Agristrike

Winter dormant alfalfa grows actively through spring and summer and into early autumn when growth rates decline. These varieties are best suited to irrigated hay production or long-term pasture situations in colder, wetter environments, where rainfall continues into late spring and early summer, and winter grazing is provided by other pastures or crops. Winter dormant alfalfa isn’t suited to late autumn/early winter sowing.

Venus is a semi-winter dormant variety with an activity rating of 5. It provides low to moderate levels of herbage production during the winter period, however, spring and summer production is excellent. It has exceptional persistence and productivity under dryland conditions making it well suited to long-term pasture rotations while still providing a high quality feed option. It can respond rapidly to rainfall events and can provide valuable out of season feed during the late summer or autumn period.

Key features:

• Exceptional persistence and production for long term dryland conditions. Expected stand life 10 years +

• Very good aphid resistance

• High plant numbers over time results in higher yields

• Densely branched with low spreading crowns

• Low spreading crowns that are 25% larger than most semi dormants.

Dormancy 5 Semi-Winter DormantVenus

325 mm + 5.8 - 8.0Deep well

drained

AL or Agristrike

Irrigation

Irrigation

Irrigation

HERS0112SeedmarksInternationalAlfalfaGuideFA2OL.indd 4-5 4/12/2014 5:50 pm

6 7

There are three main dormancy groupings for alfalfa, all of which reliably have a typical life span as described below. The suitability for purpose of each variety is dependent upon its dormancy rate.

Dormancy Dormancy rating Life expectancy Suitability

Winter dormant 3 to 5 8 years + Grazing and fi ne cut hay

Winter active 6 to 7 6 to 8 years + Grazing/hay, general purpose

Highly winter active 8 to 10 3 to 5 years + Winter feed, hay production, short pasture phase

Maximum production of an alfalfa stand is in years 1 to 6, and then tapers off unless very well maintained.

Alfalfa varieties with a dormancy rating of 1 - 6 are only suitable for early autumn or spring sowing in cold winter areas.

Varieties with a rating of 7 - 10 are suitable for autumn sowing under most circumstances.

The annual growth of winter dormant alfalfa tapers off earlier as the season cools in autumn, but will often start producing again earlier in the following spring.

Rain kg/haPlant counts

(after 1st summer)

350 - 450 mm 4 - 6 15 - 40

450 - 600 mm 6 - 8 50 - 70

600 - 800 mm 10 -15 80 -120

800 mm+/Irrigation 18 - 35 130 -160

Sowing rates for alfalfa depend mostly on available moisture (rain or irrigation):

Thicker sowing gives thinner stems which can be used for irrigated hay production as a tool. Allow for germination % and an establishment factor of 65 - 75%.

Agristrike™ coated seed is pre-inoculated for nitrogen fi xation using superior strains of Rhizobia.

A specially formulated coating that encases the seed, allowing fl exibility in sowing applications, ease of handling, mixing and improved storage life.

Agristrike seed germinates into a nutrient rich zone provided by the coating. Nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, molybdenum, other trace elements and bio stimulants.

The ideal soil temperature for establishing alfalfa is 12°C and rising. Alfalfa seed is small, so ensure to sow close to the surface at approximately 10 - 15 mm deep. It is also important that there is enough soil moisture to support germination. Roll lightly if the soil is fl uffy.

For spring-sown dryland crops, sow late winter to right throughout spring. In mild summer areas with irrigation, alfalfa can be sown right through spring and summer. In hot summer areas, alfalfa is best sown through autumn. Direct drilling is the most usual option.

Pre-planting First year – post-emergence Second and subsequent years

Knockdown spray to remove actively growing weeds

Trifl uralin should be used to curtail early weed competition; at rates depending

on soil type

Pendimethalin can also be used

The following options can be used up to the eighth leaf stage:

First trifoliate leaf - 2, 4 - DB, Bromoxynil

Second trifoliate leaf - Flumetsalum, Imazamox, Imazethapyr

Third trifoliate leaf - Bromoxynil,Difl ufenican, Prometryn

Spray-seed + Diuron (take some care with the winter active varieties)

Simazine (may be a better option for winter actives)

Options as per fi rst year, but check for weed size as application rates vary

Group A grass herbicides

An alfalfa crop takes a year to fully establish and a young alfalfa crop needs to be monitored for pests. Using resistant varieties and coated seed should be strongly considered. Always check for red legged earth mites (RLEM) and use bare earth insecticide controls such as omethoate or bifenthrin for a longer term effect. Slugs and snails should be baited appropriately.

It is important to test the soil for phosphorus, potassium, aluminum and calcium. Lime is also critical to adjust soil pH, so be sure to conduct a soil test to check to see if it is needed. Soil pH levels (CaCl2) should be >5.8, ideally >6.0. aluminium at depth should also be considered and paddock avoided if judged potentially problematic.

Sow with low nitrogen, good phosphorus and potassium fertiliser. Molybdenum and boron should be considered where soils are typically low in these trace elements or application has not occurred for some years. A small amount of nitrogen may be needed until plants are established.

There is a toxic (allelopathic) effect due to exudates in residue, trash and plant litter. This can be problematic for new seedlings once alfalfa has been in the paddock for 9 - 12 months. If an alfalfa stand fails to establish suffi ciently, re-sowing is best attempted in autumn due to competition in spring. The best plan however is to start again as there is likely a disease, pest or nutrition problem which has led to low plant numbers.

Depending on the plant numbers and the cropping rotation, the life and value of an alfalfa stand can be increased through over-sowing with a medium-term winter active ryegrass grass.

An alfalfa crop needs to be well managed to out-compete weeds and produce high yields for hay and/or grazing. Any problems should be identifi ed and rectifi ed promptly. A typical weed control program is provided below:

When sowing alfalfa as a pasture mix, establish it with a slower establishing grass such as a tall fescue, phalaris or sub-tropical perennial where appropriate. In some circumstances it may be better to establish the alfalfa fi rst and introduce the companion varieties a season or two later.

If under-sowing alfalfa with a cereal grain crop, cut the cereal rate back to 50% to ensure a good alfalfa stand is maintained.

Expect lower cereal yields as a consequence. In these instances, 2,4 - DB is a good herbicide option amongst others.

HERS0112SeedmarksInternationalAlfalfaGuideFA2OL.indd 6-7 4/12/2014 5:50 pm

8 9

ME 10½ MJ ME/kg DM

CP 18 - 20%

NDF 50 - 55%

Estimated nutrient removal rates/tonne of dry matter (DM) are below:

Regular soil and tissue tests should be taken to monitor nutrient levels.

Alfalfa can produce 10 - 25 tonne DM/ha/yr. For each 10 tonne DM this equates to 200 kg Ca. When compared to 360 kg Ca in 1 tonne of limestone lime, this indicated that on average 1T lime/ha every 2 years or so is required to maintain calcium nutrition as well as to help manage pH and aluminium. Fertiliser is generally applied at intervals that suit the grower. Ideally this is programmed with each cut, but may be only once or twice a year.

Nitrogen 20 - 30 kg Magnesium 2 - 4 kg

Phosphorus 2 - 3 kg Zinc 20 - 50 g

Potassium 15 - 20 kg Copper 5 -10 g

Sulphur 2 - 4 kg Boron 25 - 40 g

Calcium 10 - 17 kg Manganese 35 - 50 g

Iron 50 - 150 g

Question? Yes No – Action required

Alfalfa not grown in site for at least 2 years

OK Crop for at least 2 years with alternative species.

Drainage OK(casual water lays < 1 day)

OK Improve drainage or select alternative site.

pH (CaCl2) > 5.7 OK Increase pH through liming or select alternative site.

Exchangeable Al3+ < 5% OKDecrease Aluminium at depth through liming over a number of years or select alternative site.

Weed burden previously reduced

OKCrop for 1 - 2 years with cereals or other grain crops, paying attention to weed control.

Irrigation available Spring sow OK Autumn or early spring sow.

Winter active variety (dormancy rating >6)

Autumn or spring sow OKSpring sowing recommended in winter cold areas, for winter dormant varieties.

Cutting alfalfa needs to be done at or slightly before 10% fl owering, but note the height of new shoots at the base of the crop, ensuring that they are not damaged as they will be the next crop. Conditioner rollers are useful for quick drying. Double conditioning has been used. Re-cutting depends on seasonality, climate and dormancy.

Plan for: 2-3 years 4-6 years 7+ years

Dedicated hay production

Dual purpose hay and grazing

Grazing / extensive pasture

Longevity increases

Hay quality increases

DM yield per annum increases

Grazing tolerance increases

Sow

ing

rat

e kg

/ha

incr

ease

s

Annual rainfall 350 mm - 450 mm 450 mm - 600 mm 600 mm - 800 mm 800 mm+/ Irrigated

kg/ha 4 - 6 6 - 8 10 - 15 18 - 35

It is strongly recommended that prior to sowing, a pre-plant pre-emergent herbicide be considered. Herbicides such as trifl uralin and pendimethalin are commonly used with good success. Consult an agronomist and check label instructions before proceeding. Low-till/no-till systems can be used to good effect, but paddock preparation, weed burden and herbicide spray systems need to be considered and prepared for prior to sowing.

Alfamaster 10®

or

Alfamaster 11™

Pegasisor

Genesis IIVenus

Alfamaster 9®

or

Pegasis

Pegasisor

Genesis II

Venusor

Genesis II

Pegasis Genesis II Venus

HERS0112SeedmarksInternationalAlfalfaGuideFA2OL.indd 8-9 4/12/2014 5:50 pm

10 11

Product Venus Genesis II PegasisAlfamaster

9®

Alfamaster 10®

Alfamaster 11™

Dormancy Rating 5 7 9 9 10 11

Rainfall 325 mm - 400 mm 350 mm - 425 mm 350 mm + 500 mm + 500 mm + 500 mm +

Sowing rate (low-med rainfall)

2 – 8 kg/ha 2 – 8 kg/ha 2 – 8 kg/ha N/A N/A N/A

Sowing rate (med-high

rainfall)6 – 15 kg/ha 6 – 15 kg/ha 6 – 15 kg/ha 10 – 18 kg/ha 10 – 18 kg/ha 10 – 18 kg/ha

Sowing rate (irrigation)

18– 35 kg/ha 18– 35 kg/ha 18– 35 kg/ha 18– 35 kg/ha 18– 35 kg/ha 18– 35 kg/ha

pH (CACI2) 5.8 – 8.0 5.8 – 8.0 5.8 – 8.0 5.5 – 8.0 5.5 – 8.0 5.5 – 8.0

Soil TypeLight to medium &/or heavy, deep, well-drained soils

Light to medium &/or heavy, deep, well-drained soils

Light to medium &/or heavy, deep, well-drained soils

Light to medium &/or heavy,deep, well-drained soils

Light to medium &/or heavy, deep, well-drained soils

Light to medium &/or heavy, deep, well-drained soils

Inoculant AgriStrike or AL AgriStrike or AL AgriStrike or AL AgriStrike or AL AgriStrike or AL AgriStrike or AL

Suitability H S G H S G H S G C H S G H S H S

Dis

ease

and

pes

t re

sist

ance Spotted

alfalfa Aphid HR HR HR HR HR R

Blue Green Aphid HR HR HR HR HR R

Phytophthora Root Rot HR R HR HR R MR

Anthracnose HR R HR HR R LR

Suitability key: H = Hay S = Silage G = Grazing C = Cut and Carry

Disease and pest resistance key: LR = Low Resistance S = Susceptible MR = Moderately Resistant

R = Resistant HR = Highly Resistant

Agristrike seed coating technology improves seedling emergence, establishment and root nodulation compared to plants sown as bare seed. Root nodulation is essential for nitrogen fi xation and to achieve maximum yield potential. Agristrike is more reliable and convenient than on-farm coating.

Agristrike uses only the latest rhizobium strains for each species, as chosen by the semi-government group Australian Legume Inoculant Research Unit (ALIRU). Even in paddocks where previous legume crops have been grown, these optimum rhizobial strains will improve root nodulation and nitrogen fi xation. Trials have shown excellent levels of rhizobial survival in Agristrike coated seed to allow you to order your coated seed early and give fl exibility in planting timing.

The standard Agristrike alfalfa and sub clover coating contain a combination of thiram and metalaxyl (Apron) fungicide which offer strong protection against pythium (dampening off) and phytophthora root rot. The distribution of fungicide and other additives is very accurate, affording the highest level of protection to every seed.

A unique alkaline formulation lime blend is used to reduce soil acidity around the germinating seed to improve rhizobial survival.

The latest rhizobial friendly polymers and colourants are used to give an extremely robust pellet, with a relatively smooth, low dust fi nish. The smooth fi nish improves fl owability through planting equipment compared to the traditional slurry-treated seed. The polymers used are hygroscopic, so they actually attract moisture to the seed. On contact with moisture the polymers disperse quickly, so the coating breaks down to allow gaseous respiration and avoids and restriction to the emerging seedling.

Agristrike treated seed germinates into a nutrient rich zone provided by the coating. Nutrients include nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, molybdenum and other trace elements. Proprietary plant bio stimulants in Agristrike enhance nutritional availability in the seedlings micro-environment at the critical early phase promoting better plant establishment rates. Gaucho® is available on order to protect emerging pasture seedlings against early season sucking pests (red legged earth mite, blue oat mite) for 3-4 weeks from sowing. In areas where ant predation is a concern, anticides such as permethrin can also be applied on order.

Agristrike treated seed germinates into a nutrient rich zone provided by the coating.

Bare Seed vs Agristrike

HERS0112SeedmarksInternationalAlfalfaGuideFA2OL.indd 10-11 4/12/2014 5:50 pm

Contact the Seedmark International team for more details.

Disclaimer:The information presented in this publication is offered in good faith, based on seed industry data and relevant advice. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and freedom from error. Seedmark, its agents or advisors, accepts no responsibility for any loss or actions arising from viewing the publication’s content. Copyright Seedmark © 2014

www.seedmark.com.au

Seedmark Pty Ltd, a member of the www.barenbrug.com

Colin GrantInternational Sales & Marketing Managerc.grant@seedmark.com.au+61 403 465 515

Craig MyallInternational Business Managerc.myall@seedmark.com.au+61 407 620 580

Melissa ParishInternational Operations Managermparish@heritageseeds.com.au+61 404 463 186

Sandy MakinsInternational Operations Officersmakins@heritageseeds.com.au

Richard HennigInternational Supply Chain Coordinatorrhennig@heritageseeds.com.au

Tracy SmithInternational Operations Officertsmith@heritageseeds.com.au

Karolina TrueInternational Marketing Coordinatorktrue@heritageseeds.com.au

HERS0112SeedmarksInternationalAlfalfaGuideFA2OL.indd 12 4/12/2014 5:50 pm