LUCIA

Lucerne of the Lucia variety is a mid-early cut variety developed through hybridization of promising breeding forms and intended for feed use. Plants have an erect or semi-erect bush, 52 to 73 cm high, with green stems and trifoliate leaves of inverse-ovate and elliptical shape. Inflorescences are presented as multi-flowered racemes about 2.8 cm long, and seeds are light yellow in color, weighing 1.9 to 2.1 g per 1000 seeds. The vegetative period until the first cut is about 56 days, and until seed maturity is 109 days. The variety is distinguished by high yield and quality indicators. Average green mass yield reaches 55–78 c/ha, and dry matter – from 48.5 to 73.7 c/ha, which exceeds the regional trial standards. Crude protein content in dry matter varies from 13.4% to 20%, ensuring high feed nutritional value. During trials, the variety showed resistance to diseases and pests, as well as high drought tolerance and resistance to lodging, making it a reliable choice for various climatic conditions. Lucerne Lucia is recommended for cultivation in various regions, including the North Caucasian, Lower Volga, and Urals regions of Russia, as well as the West Kazakhstan, Akmolinsk, Pavlodar, and North Kazakhstan regions of Kazakhstan. For successful cultivation, it is recommended to maintain spatial isolation from other leguminous crops of at least 200 meters. Due to high spring regrowth intensity and after cuts, the variety provides stable and quality feed for farm animals.