The forage crop alfalfa variety Yaroslavna is a rapidly growing species, distinguished by its quick spring regrowth and recovery after mowing. This hybrid-type variety features high leafiness (54-63%) and the ability to produce up to three full-quality cuttings in wet years. The vegetation period from spring regrowth to the first cutting is 45-56 days, ensuring timely green mass harvest. The variety is resistant to adverse conditions, possesses high winter hardiness and drought tolerance, making it suitable for cultivation in the Forest-Steppe and Polissia regions of Ukraine.
Yaroslavna is characterized by high yields of forage mass and seeds. Average green mass yield reaches 65-68 t/ha, and seed yield — 0.27-0.4 t/ha. Crude protein content in dry matter varies from 19 to 21%, ensuring high feed value. Additionally, the variety exhibits optimal fat (about 3.5%), fiber (24-25%), ash (9.1%) content, and a high energy growth balance (BER) — 42%. Due to these characteristics, alfalfa Yaroslavna is a valuable component of feed for all types of livestock.
The variety is resistant to diseases, particularly leaf spot, affecting only 2-5%, and has moderate resistance to root rots. It is lightly damaged by phytomonas and alfalfa aphids, reducing the need for intensive plant protection. Alfalfa Yaroslavna is recommended for use in forage crop rotations on chernozem soils, where it contributes to stable and high-quality feed production, ensuring effective feed production in agriculture.
