48 GERMINATION.CA NOVEMBER 2018 the animal. And they may be able to harvest a little later, gaining extra yields of total dry matter from the field, without sacrificing feed quality as much as they would have with conventional types,” says DeVries. While the benefits of Surge HG alfalfa are geared toward dairy producers, there’s also been interest from beef cattle producers and even export hay producers in Western Canada, says Dyck. “While the benefit to the beef industry is harder to measure, the improved forage quality and crude protein content will translate to more efficient feeding and in some instances may command a premium in export markets,” he says. Market Access Market access is top priority for those producers for whom Europe and China are destinations for alfalfa seed and hay. It’s because of these markets’ zero-tolerance policies toward residual amounts of genetically modified alfalfa seed that containment of GM technology remains a key concern—and why GM low-lignin alfalfa has such a con- tentious history in Canada. In the U.S., Monsanto’s genetically modified Roundup Ready HarvXtra alfalfa variety, which contains a low- lignin trait, has been available for three planting seasons. HarvXtra alfalfa, sold by Forage Genetics International in Canada, has been approved by Canadian regulators for planting in Canada’s six eastern provinces for the sale of seed for hay production. But stakeholder concerns over containment issues and comprised market access have kept Forage Genetics International from launching HarvXtra seed in Western Canada. Rene Van Acker, dean and professor at the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph, says that when genetically modified alfalfa was proposed for release in Western Canada, many farmers — two key groups in particular — were concerned: organic farmers, whose certification could be at risk at any sign of contam- ination, and forage seed exporters, who frequently export into Europe and China. Both groups must abide by zero tolerance policies for residual genetic material. “In alfalfa, contamination is tricky,” says Van Acker. “It’s a very robust perennial that is insect-pollinated and having absolute containment is challenging with a species like that.” But this doesn’t mean producers didn’t want the traits on offer. Brad Alexander, research and extension man- ager for the Alfalfa Seed Commission of Alberta (ASCA), says low-lignin alfalfa has been in demand by western Canadian producers for a long time. ASCA is doing its own trials to develop a low-lignin alfalfa via mutagenesis, a non-transgenic plant breeding method. “I know that farmers want this,” he says. The majority of alfalfa seed grown in Alberta is exported, and China is a major market. Were these pro- ducers to lose market access to China, they’d be forced to compete with the U.S. for market share in countries more tolerant of residuals, says Alexander. ANOTEONCRUDEPROTEIN The increased rate of fibre digestion, extent of digestion, and crude protein data was developed from replicated research and on-farm testing. During the 2015 growing season at West Salem, WI and Woodland, CA, the following commercial dormant, semi-dormant and non-dormant alfalfa varieties were compared head-to-head with Hi-Gest alfalfa for rate of digestion, extent of digestion and percent crude protein; America’s Alfalfa Brand Ameristand 427TQ, Cropland Brands Legendairy XHD and Artesia Sunrise, Fertizona Brand Fertilac, S&W Seeds Brands SW6330, SW7410 and SW10, and WL Brands WL 319HQ and WL 354HQ. Also during the 2015 growing season, 32 on-farm Hi-Gest hay and silage samples were submitted to Rock River Laboratory for forage analysis. The results for rate of digestion, extent of digestion and percent crude protein were averaged and compared to the 60-day and four-year running averages for alfalfa in the Rock River database which included approximately 1,700 alfalfa hay and 3,800 silage 60 day test results and 23,000 hay and 62,000 silage tests results in the four-year average. Dyck says the industry has heard objections to the sale and planting of genetically modified alfalfa varieties loud and clear. “In light of the market context we have in Western Canada, an emphasis on conventional alfalfa plant breeding to deliver improved characteristics that have tangible ben- efits for growers is important and will continue,” he says. Alexander says producers’ concerns for low-lignin alfalfa varieties are the same as those they have for other varieties: standability and lodging resistance. This summer, the commission conducted a trial with plant growth regulators (PGRs) to try to find a PGR that would help prevent lodging by shortening internode lengths to make plants more harvestable without affecting yield. Rene Van Acker, dean and professor at the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph, says that when genetically modified alfalfa was proposed for release in Western Canada, many farmers were concerned.