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Seedling Root Morphology Of Six Alfalfa Populations, Brianna J. Gaughan
Seedling Root Morphology Of Six Alfalfa Populations, Brianna J. Gaughan
The Journal of Undergraduate Research
Seedling root morphology plays a crucial role in seedling survival and stand establishment. Naturalized yellow-flowered alfalfa (YFA) (Medicago sativa subsp. falcata) has demonstrated adaptation to semiarid conditions of the Northern Great Plains and tolerance to grazing. Seedling stage root morphology is poorly defined. Our objective was to compare morphological traits of seedling roots for six alfalfa populations. Six entries were evaluated: one M. sativa population as a control, two M. falcata entries, with reported “spreading characteristics” and three naturalized YFA populations. Uniform seeds of each entry were scarified with 320 grade sand paper and inoculated with rhizobium before planting. A …
Shoot Morphology Of Eleven Alfalfa Populations, Jessica A. Schmuck
Shoot Morphology Of Eleven Alfalfa Populations, Jessica A. Schmuck
The Journal of Undergraduate Research
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a major component of feed for dairy and beef cattle and one of the most productive forage species in North America. Alfalfa has been planted on millions of acres. More than 100 varieties have been developed in North America over the past 100 years. However, historically, alfalfa persistence under grazing in semiarid rangeland has generally been poor. Recently, it was discovered that naturally-selected populations of predominantly yellow-flowered alfalfa have been proven to be adapted to rangelands of western South Dakota and adjacent areas. A study was initiated in May 2006 to evaluate persistence and vigor …
Effects Of Stratification, Warm Treatment, And Mechanical And Acid Scarification On The Emergence Of Yellow-Flowered Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa Subsp. Falcata) Seeds, Diane Narem
The Journal of Undergraduate Research
Yellow-flowered alfalfa (YFA) has great potential to improve rangelands in the Northern Plains. Greater than 99% of YFA seeds from soil were viable but less than 4% germinated under standard laboratory conditions. The objective was to determine if low germination was due to physical or physiological seed dormancy. The experiment utilized a random complete block design with two trials, eight replications per trial. Each replication consisted of ten treatments plus a control, four stratification treatments consisting of a combination of two temperatures (-5°C, -20°C) and two durations (48 hr, 72 hr), one warm treatment (4 min, 60°C), four sandpaper scarification …