Lucerne variety Venera is a tall dicotyledonous plant belonging to the blue-hybrid lucerne group. This variety has been included in the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine since 1999 and is recommended for cultivation in Steppe and Forest-Steppe zones. Venera features round, sturdy stems up to 100 cm tall with trifoliate leaves having round or lanceolate leaflets. The flowers have a blue-purple corolla and possess a unique trait — self-pollination, which distinguishes this variety from other lucernes. The root system is taprooted, and inflorescences are racemose. Due to its strong stems, this variety is less prone to lodging and exhibits vigorous growth both in spring and after grazing.
Lucerne Venera is widely used in animal husbandry due to its high protein content — up to 20% — ensuring complete animal nutrition. The plant is disease-resistant and highly productive: green mass yield can reach up to 558 centners per hectare, and seed yield — around 4.1 centners per hectare. For sowing, the recommended rate is 16-18 kg/ha in moist regions and 14-16 kg/ha in dry regions, with seed depth of 2-3 cm. Optimal sowing temperature is 18-20°C, followed by harrowing. Potential yield reaches 130-140 centners per hectare, making Venera a profitable choice for farmers.
In addition to its fodder use, lucerne Venera attracts bees and is a honey-producing plant, contributing to beekeeping development and honey production. Also, dried lucerne grass is used in an ecologically clean form, free of additives, packed in zip-lock bags. In folk traditions, lucerne is associated with Venus and the earth, giving it special significance in various rituals and spells related to attracting money and prosperity.
