Effects of pathogen presence on the seed quality of different alfalfa cultivars

Abstract

Owing to its characteristics, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most important forage plant in our country. The great importance of alfalfa is reflected in the production of high-quality fodder and alfalfa seeds, which are a valuable and competitive commodity on domestic and foreign markets. In this study, the presence of plant pathogenic genera of fungi on the seeds of five different alfalfa cultivars was investigated (Kruševačka 28, NS-Mediana, Zaječarska 83, Banjalučanka i Osječka-66) from three different lots (sites) of each cultivar. The detected phytopathogenic fungi on the alfalfa seeds caused a decrease in the overall germination, but the present research results indicate a satisfactory health status of all alfalfa cultivars and seed lots.

Keywords

• alfalfa
• cultivars and seed lots
• quality
• pathogens