Download a copy of the SARDI 7 Series 2 Alfalfa factsheet.
SARDI 7 Series 2 is the next generation winter active alfalfa. Versatility, broad adaptation and persistence make it a market leading variety, offering greater performance in cold, wet environments where alfalfa can struggle. It has been bred specifically for farming operations and will perform well in both dryland and irrigated systems. It offers superior performance where persistent, high producing alfalfa stands are required and in grazing situations where winter produced feed can be utilised. SARDI 7 Series 2 will provide superior performance where persistent, high producing alfalfa stands are required and in grazing situations where winter produced feed can be utilised. It is suited to direct grazing or hay and silage production and can be sown in pasture mixes or under-sown in cropping systems. In addition, SARDI 7 Series 2 will perform well in dairy, beef and sheep production systems in high rainfall zones where dormant or semi-dormant varieties have traditionally been grown. It will persist and produce more dry matter than winter or semi-winter dormant varieties delivering more feed during the winter months when feed is in demand. Through work conducted by Meat Livestock Australia (MLA), SARDI 7 Series 2 has shown improved tolerance to acid soils (pH >4.5Ca).
Segment
- Dual purpose, grazing and/or hay systems
- Specialist hay production in cool winter environments
Key features
- Broad adaptability - Shown to grow/persist in acidic soils down to pH 4.5Ca
- Exceptional persistence
- High yielding, multi-purpose with excellent persistence
- Strong pest and disease resistance and good grazing tolerance
- Improved performance in cold, wet environments
- Well suited to grazing and hay production with a broad crown and high leaf to stem ratio
Key benefits
- Performs well in dairy, beef and sheep production systems in high rainfall zones
- Delivers more feed during the winter months
- Grazing tolerant due to ‘in field’ selection
Breeding history
SARDI 7 Series 2 was developed using multiple cycles of selection for persistence and yield on Australian commercial farms under a range of farming systems (cattle, sheep, hay, dryland and irrigation). This process was combined with intensive screening for reduced stem thickness and leafiness plus tolerance to bluegreen aphid, spotted alfalfa aphid, anthracnose and phytophthora root rot. This makes SARDI 7 Series 2 produce high quality forage with greater persistence.
Plot density
SARDI 7 Series 2 demonstrates superior ‘in field’ persistence against competitors in acid soils (pH < 4.8Ca).
Forage yield
SARDI 7 Series 2 demonstrates similar forage production, to leading cultivars within the Wa 5−7 group under a ‘cut’ system not exposed to grazing or high pest/disease pressure.
Disease and pest resistance
SARDI 7 Series 2 has very high levels of resistance to the pest and disease strains present in Australia. SARDI varieties are screened using new strains of virulent pathogens collected from field sites – this breeds resistance to the ever changing challenges that alfalfa varieties will face. To deliver increased tolerance to cold, wet environments, the majority of the parentage comes from field selections in Victoria and New South Wales.
Superior persistence
5 year old plots at Bendigo, Victoria demonstrating SARDI 7 Series 2's superior persistence compared to competitor varieties.
Plant Breeders Rights (PBR): This variety is registered under Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) in Australia. Unauthorised commercial propagation or any sale, conditioning, export, import or stocking of propagating material is an infringement under the Plant Breeders Rights Act (1994). Any breach of this legislation will leave the grower liable for prosecution.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this brochure is from official and other sources and is considered to be reliable. It is provided in good faith and every care has been taken to ensure its accuracy. Barenbrug does not accept any responsibility for the consequences that may arise from the acceptance of recommendations or the suggestions made.