Determination of phenological, morphological, yield, quality and molecular characteri̇zati̇on properties of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes collected in Igdir ecological conditions

This research was carried out in Igdır ecological conditions in 2018 by using naturally grown 48 genotypes and 2 registered alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes. Collected alfalfa genotypes were cloned and applied to the experimental field with 3 replications according to experimental design of random blocks. Plant, yield, quality and molecular characterization properties of 48 genotypes and 2 cultivars of alfalfa were determined. Molecular characterization studies were carried out in addition to determining the plant, yield and quality characteristics of 50 alfalfa genotypes. In the study, number of flowering days, Main stem length, plant height, main stem thickness, leaf-area index, number of branches at root crown, weight of alfalfa, dry weight of alfalfa, dry grass retio, 1st year total weed weight, 1st year total dry grass ratio, 1st year dry grass ratio, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), dry matter digestibility (DMD), digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), dry matter ıntake (DMI) and relative feed value (RFV) properties were examined. According to the research results; number of flowering days varied between 46-54 days among genotypes. The highest main stem length was obtained from genotype 4 (118,50) cm and the highest main stem thickness was obtained from genotype 34 (4,84 mm). In addition, the highest number of branches in the root crown was obtained from genotype 17 with number of 58,56. Alfalfa genotypes have been improved in 2 (semi-steep) and 3 (middle-steep) forms. Green weights were reported to vary between 219,78-930,18 g/plant values. The highest green weight was 930,18 g / plant and the number 7 alfalfa genotype. The highest dry grass weight was 171,16 g / plant and the number 33 alfalfa genotype. The rate of dry grass among the genotypes ranged from 25,33% to 31,77%. Annual total green weight values of 762,90-2652,89 gr/plant, Annual total dry grass values of 228,74-520,17 g / plant and Annual dry grass ratio has changed between 24,25-30,51%. According to the feed quality characteristics of alfalfa genotypes, the highest CP, DMD, DE, ME, DMI and RFV values were obtained from genotype number 49. However, the highest values of NDF, ADF and ADL were obtained from the alfalfa genotype 33. A total of 267 polymorphic bands were obtained in molecular identification studies using 10 IPBS (inter primer binding sites) markers and the average polymorphism rate was determined as 93,71%. In addition, the mean H (gene diversity) value of all the markers was 0,17 and the mean polymorphism (PIC) value was obtained as 0,14. Furthermore, the DICE similarity coefficient for genotypes was 0,50 and the correlation coefficient (r) = 0,74534 was obtained. Using the NTSYS-pc program, the genetic distance between the genotypes was calculated as the lowest 0,2588 and the highest was 0,8090. Population structures and Delta K values of genotypes were determined by Structure analysis. Alfalfa genotype is split into four subpopulations. Alfalfa genotypes show molecular diversity and can be planned for use in breeding studies.