Second regrowth phase generative characteristics of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with addition of lighting duration and dolomites

Abstract

This study determines generative growth characteristics of alfalfa in second regrowth with the addition of dolomite and extended photoperiod. This study used a completely randomized design tested via Least Significant Difference. Dolomite was added at 0, 6 and 12 ton/ha. Photoperiod was varied at 12, 14 and 16 hours. The results conclude that extended photoperiod promoted alfalfa growth. Lengthier exposure to lighting promoted faster flowering and greater proportions of pod emergence and pod ripening. The addition of dolomite levels did not affect generative growth, except in the percentage of pods per plants. The addition of 16-hour lighting duration improved the second regrowth stage of alfalfa as compared to 14 and 12-hour photoperiods. The result yielded 61.63% seed purity and 13.33% seed viability.

The profile of tropical alfalfa in Indonesia: A review

“…Research on alfalfa has been conducted for agriculture, animal husbandry, healthcare, and food industries. In the fields of agriculture and animal husbandry, research has been conducted using various developmental models at the laboratory scale ( Suwignyo et al, 2017 , Suwignyo et al, 2020a , Suwignyo et al, 2020b , Suwignyo et al, 2020c , Suwignyo et al, 2020d , Suwignyo et al, 2021a , Suwignyo et al, 2021b , Suwignyo et al, 2021c , Suwignyo et al, 2022 , Suwignyo and Sasongko, 2019 ). In animal husbandry, alfalfa is used as highly nutritious forage for both ruminant and non-ruminant animals to increase livestock production and improve the nutrient content of the meat, eggs, and milk produced.…”

“…The research on tropical alfalfa by Bambang Suwignyo has progressed significantly since 2010 (e.g., Suwignyo et al, 2020a , Suwignyo et al, 2020b , Suwignyo et al, 2020c , Suwignyo et al, 2020d , Suwignyo et al, 2021a , Suwignyo et al, 2021b , Suwignyo et al, 2021c , Suwignyo et al, 2021d , Suwignyo et al, 2022 , Suwignyo and Sasongko, 2019 , Suwignyo et al, 2017 ). Some alfalfa varieties/species have been used as study materials for cross-breeding studies using specific treatments such asthe use of dolomit fertilizer, and by varying the duration and wavelength of lightduring cultivation.…”

“… Optimal growth of subtropical alfalfa occurs at approximately 20 °C, while tropical alfalfa can grow well even in temperatures reaching up to 48 °C ( Suwignyo and Sasongko, 2019 ). Average growth rate after defoliation is approximately 1.4–1.6 cm per day, and in the first to second week after defoliation, the rate can reach 2–5 cm per day ( Suwignyo et al, 2021a , Suwignyo et al, 2021b ). …”

“…Average growth rate after defoliation is approximately 1.4–1.6 cm per day, and in the first to second week after defoliation, the rate can reach 2–5 cm per day ( Suwignyo et al, 2021a , Suwignyo et al, 2021b ).…”

“…A study by Suwignyo et al (2017) reported the production of fertile alfalfa seeds, which confirmed that the plant had the potential to be cultivated in tropical areas. These plants have shown vegetative development with a high nutrient profile when compared to those from subtropical areas ( Suwignyo et al, 2020a , Suwignyo et al, 2020b , Suwignyo et al, 2020c , Suwignyo et al, 2020d ); this presents new hope for alfalfa cultivation in Indonesia and a potential categorization of the stock as a new strain/variety, namely tropical alfalfa ( Suwignyo et al, 2021a , Suwignyo et al, 2021b ). Tropical alfalfa already recognized by Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) as new variety with local name Kacang Ratu BW which Bambang Suwignyo as an inventor who developed alfalfa became tropical alfalfa with registered number 929/PVHP/2021 released by Center for Plant Variety Protection and Agricultural Licensing (PPVT) of the Ministry of Agriculture RI.…”