Alfalfa Uralochka

The Lucerne variety Urалоchka is the result of long-term breeding aimed at creating a winter-hardy and high-yielding crop adapted to the conditions of the Middle Urals and other regions with similar climates. This variety was bred using the method of creating complex hybrid populations based on 17 self-fertile lines, which ensures its high ecological plasticity and good spring and post-mow regrowth. The plants are of medium height with semi-erect bushes and dark green leaves; flowers vary in color, indicating the genetic diversity of the variety. The period from the start of regrowth to the first cut is 50-58 days, allowing for effective use in crop rotations with short growing seasons. Urалоchka demonstrates high yields: up to 570 c/ha of green mass and up to 128 c/ha of dry matter, as well as significant seed productivity - about 0.27 t/ha. Protein content in the plant ranges from 17.9 to 21.6%, making this variety a valuable feed crop for animal husbandry. Fiber content is 22.0–27.5%, ensuring good feed quality. The variety is distinguished by strong resistance to Verticillium wilt, which increases its reliability under unfavorable conditions, although resistance to brown blotch and weevils is assessed as weak, requiring attention during plant protection. For planting Urалоchka, early spring sowing without cover is recommended with a sowing rate of 18-20 kg/ha for green feed and 1.5-2.0 million pieces for seed purposes. The best results are achieved when growing on neutral or slightly acidic soils with a pH above 5.5, after cereal crops. The addition of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers up to 120 kg/ha contributes to increasing yield and green mass quality. Thanks to its winter hardiness, high feed and seed productivity, and adaptation to the climatic conditions of the Urals, the Urалоchka variety is a promising choice for agricultural enterprises in the region.