56 / SEEDWORLD.COM OCTOBER 2017 IN THE WORLD of forage seed, alfalfa gets a lot of press, due in part to a genetically engineered variety that has renewed interest in alfalfa seed. Even before Forage Genetics International (FGI) began selling its HarvXtra alfalfa seed with Roundup Ready technology to farmers in Eastern Canada in 2016, the alfalfa industry was split on whether it was a good idea. On one side, alfalfa seed producers in the West feared contamination risk, endan- gering alfalfa seed exports. In the East, growers wanted the ability to grow herbi- cide tolerant alfalfa for livestock feed. In the end, FGI decided to launch the product in the East for hay production only, and it’s not sold in Western Canada. It was also available to U.S. growers for planting Jan. 1 of this year. Despite the controversy, the issue put alfalfa back in the spotlight. “It’s what often gets lost when people talk about alfalfa — the conventional side and some of the strides being made,” says Erick Lutterotti, general manager of Gold Medal Seeds, a subsidiary of FGI, and vice chair of the Canadian Seed Trade Association’s Forage and Turf Committee. Winter Hardiness Especially exciting for Lutterotti are new varieties of multifoliate alfalfa that have been bred to be winter hardy. “That’s the big thing in conventional alfalfa,” he says, noting that winter hardi- ness ratings indicate the potential longev- ity of the alfalfa stand. Lutterotti says that although fall dormancy is related to winter hardiness, the latter is separate from fall dormancy. Keeping Up with Alfalfa Advances Whether it’s new conventional varieties with better winter hardiness and disease resistance, or a new GE product with herbicide resistance and improved digestibility, there’s a lot happening in the alfalfa seed market. Here’s a snapshot of the latest advances and what’s coming down the pipe. From Our Sister Publication: Germination In recent years, breeders have separated winter hardiness from fall dormancy. “In the past, multifoliate alfalfas came with a 4 or 5 fall dormancy rating, mean- ing it wakes up early and goes to bed late,” Lutterotti says. “Inherently, creeping- rooted alfalfa was the most winter hardy, but those varieties were best suited for lower-yielding two-cut systems. “Now we have a very high-quality alfalfa — dairy quality — that’s still at that Like breeders of most other crops, alfalfa breeders work to boost yields. The key is lowering the dormancy, which can have unwanted effects on alfalfa persistence. PHOTO: COURTESY ANNIE CLAESSENS. 4 fall dormancy rating, but you have a winter hardiness below 2. This gives you lots of options as to your farming system.” Regional differences are the key to knowing what alfalfa variety is best, Lutterotti adds. If the crop is meant for short-term growth, moderate winter har- diness is usually adequate. For long-term stands, a lower winter hardiness rating is often a good idea, but it can depend on a couple factors, he says.