Esparcet «ALEX» is a variety of Transcaucasian esparcet (Onobrychis transcaucasica) cultivated in the Krasnodar Krai since 2012. The plant features an erect or semi-erect bush, 114 to 120 cm tall, with branched stems and foliage coverage of about 46 %. Inflorescences are loose cylindrical racemes 7 to 19 mm long with a blunt apex; flowers range from light to dark pink. Pods are rounded, 5–7 mm long and 4–6 mm wide. Seeds reach swathing maturity 50–55 days after the start of spring vegetation; the second cut forms in 38–40 days. The entire vegetation period from the start of spring growth to full seed maturity is 89–92 days. Protein content in dry matter varies between 18.1 % and 20.1 %, while fiber content ranges from 24.6 % to 30.2 %. Seed yield reaches 1.28–1.47 t/ha. The variety is distinguished by winter hardiness, drought tolerance, and tolerance to yellow rust, powdery mildew, ascochytosis, and root rots.
Esparcet «ALEX» is also valued as a honey plant. Beekeepers note a long flowering period (May–June), abundant nectar production with high sugar content (46–47 %), and high honey yield, which can reach 300 kg/ha. Flowering begins in the second year of the plant's life and lasts 2.5–3 weeks, with each flower living on average one day. Nectar secretion starts at 22–25 °C, and production intensifies with the activity of field bees.
In addition to its honey-producing properties, esparcet has high forage value due to its protein, carbohydrate, fat, and amino acid content. The plant provides two to three full cuts per season and is often used as an alternative to alfalfa in zootechnics. Esparcet is used to produce hay, grass meal, and green manure: chopped green mass is mixed with soil, enriching it with phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic compounds. For sowing, a depth of 2–3 cm is recommended in heavy soil and 3–4 cm in medium-light soil; the sowing rate is 60 to 100 kg/ha (wide-row) or 70–80 kg/ha for conventional row sowing, and 100 kg/ha when planted under spring crops.
Thus, esparcet «ALEX» is a multifunctional plant that combines high seed productivity, honey-producing and forage qualities, as well as resistance to adverse climatic conditions. It can be successfully used for seed production, agroforestry, apiculture, and zootechnics.
