Determination of affecting different cutting stage on yield and quality properties in some important alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) varieties

This study was conducted to determine effect of harvest times on yield and yield components of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) varieties in Tekirdağ conditions without irrigation between 2016 – 2018. The study was carried ot in randomized complete block design with three replications. Gözlü-1, Bilensoy 80, Prosementi Bologna, Plato and Verko varieties was used as material, plants were harvested in two different flowering stages (%10 and % 50). In two years statistical results, the characters of the study has significant differences and first year has higher results more than second year. According to statistical analyses years has significant differences and years was examined separately. In two years results plant height varied between 74,99 – 46,98 cm. Stem diameter was varied between 1,41 – 1,59 mm in second year. Harvest number x harvest time interaction has statistical differences at 2. and 3. harvest. According to this result; leaf number was determined 8,64 pcs at 2. harvest, 17,54 pcs at 3. harvest. Leaf number was found higher at %10 flowering time (10.16 pcs) more than %50 flowering stage (7.12 pcs) at 2. harvest. Leaf number varied between 17,02 – 18,06 pcs at 3. harvest on %10 and %50 flowering stage. Highest fresh forage yield was determined from Gözlü-1 (5718,21 kg/da), lowest fresh forage yield was determined from Prosementi – Bologna (4525.98 kg/da ). Fresh forage yield varied belongs to harvest stage. % 50 flowering stage has 5668.20 kg/da and %10 flowering stage has 4221.33 kg/da fresh forage yield. At harvest time x variety combinations, combination %50 flowering stage Gözlü-1 variety has highest fresh forage yield 6826.66 kg/da.