Cultivars and experimental lines of a promising forage legume - Astragalus cicer. Evaluation for forage yield in Fort Collins

Abstract

An evaluation of some new cultivars and experimental lines of cicer milk vetch (Asparagus cicer L., Fabaceae) selected in the last decade for forage yield, seedling vigour and recovery after harvest are briefly summarized. The examined samples are promising especially in grazing conditions. The new cultivars have a better stand establishment, a good average forage yield of 13,27 MT/ha (oven-dry basis) and a high protein content. No injuries in grazing animals have been reported till now. The variability in forage yield between the cultivars and experimental lines suggests further possibilities of breeding.