The performance and genetic variation of first and second generation tropical alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Abstract

Abstract. Suwignyo B, Arifin L, Umami N, Muhlisin, Suhartanto B. 2021. The performance and genetic variation of first and second generation tropical alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Biodiversitas 22: 3265-3270. This study aimed to compare the growth performance, nutrient content, seed viability, and genetic variation of first- and second-generation alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). First and second-generation alfalfa seeds were obtained from the Forage and Pasture Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Yogyakarta, Indonesia. First generation alfalfa (F1) seeds were obtained from cross breeding of two different parental alfalfa varieties, namely, Canadian and local. The second-generation (F2) seeds were obtained from plants of the first-generation alfalfa (F1). A randomized design experiment was conducted using the two types of alfalfa (first- and second generation). Alfalfa from Canada as female parent was used as the baseline in the genetic masker test. Seeds were planted in a polybag, watered twice a day, and received 12 hours of daylight and 4 hours of artificial light. Plants were then harvested 8 weeks after planting by cutting the plant canopy. Genetic variation was examined using the Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) method followed by descriptive analysis. Germination, plant height, dry matter content, organic matter, and crude protein were assessed as variables using a Student’s T-test. Our results showed that germination, plant height, leaf color, and nutrient content (dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein) of the first- and second-generation alfalfa plants were not significantly different. However, the second-generation alfalfa demonstrated better seed viability than the first generation plants, then it can be categorized as a new genotype (tropical alfalfa) based on genetic variation analysis.

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.…”

“…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. From 2019 onwards, the progeny that possessed distinct characteristics from their parental stock, was referred to as tropical alfalfa ( Suwignyo et al, 2021b ). Notably, tropical alfalfa is better than subtropical alfalfa, given the following attributes: Subtropical alfalfa can be harvested approximately every-two months (five–six times a year), whereas tropical alfalfa grows faster and can be harvested approximately every month (11–12 times a year).…”

“… 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 ). …”

“…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.…”