Alfalfa ROSTOVSKAYA 60

The lucerne variety Rostovskaya 60 is a variable lucerne (Medicago sativa L. nothosubsp. varia), developed at the VNIIZS named after I.G. Kalinenko in the Rostov region. This variety has been included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements in Russia and is recommended for cultivation in various regions. Rostovskaya 60 is characterized by a medium maturity period and a semi-erect bush with dark green leaf color; the central leaflet is long and wide. Plant height varies depending on cutting: after the first cutting, they are tall, after the second—medium, and after the third—short.

The variety is distinguished by high drought resistance and resistance to diseases such as root rot and ascochyta blight, with infection rates of 1-5% and 10-15%, respectively. The green mass of the lucerne contains 28-30% crude fibre, 25-27% dry matter, and 21-23% digestible protein, making it a valuable feed for animals. The energy value is 0.23-0.25 feed units per 100 kg of natural feed.

Rostovskaya 60 demonstrates high yield: the average yield in the region reaches 99.4 centners per hectare, which is 9.8% higher than the standard, while the maximum yield of dry matter is 26%. The variety is widely used in agriculture for feeding animals and soil improvement, making it a versatile and efficient choice for farmers.