b'By exposing seed and seedlings to high electrical conductivity (EC) solutionsEC 20 in some trials, which is about half the salinity of seawaterbreeders can find the rare individu-als that not only germinate but survive and grow under salt stress.These survivors then become parent mate- TOP 5 EMERGING ALFALFA TRAITSrial in breeding programs, passing on traits for: I mproved germination under salineFrom yield-boosting dormancy shifts to climate-proof conditions genetics, these are the traits to watch in the nextBetter seedling establishment in salty soilsMaintained yield potential in fields withwave of alfalfa varieties.moderate salinity1. Climate ResilienceNew and Expanded Roles Breeders are targeting tolerance to drought, heat, and salinity. Alfalfas agronomic benefits are also getting fresh attention. Varieties that can enter drought-induced dormancy and recover Miller says nitrogen fixation can contrib- when moisture returns are already proving their worth in New ute about 200 units of nitrogen to the nextMexico trials.cropa valuable offset as fertilizer prices rise. Deep roots, sometimes reaching 20 to 25 feet, sequestering significant organic carbon.2. High-Dormancy + Winter Survival CombinationsBranch-rooted types can improve performancePairing a higher fall dormancy rating (for yield potential) with a in hardpan or high-water-table soils and addstrong winter survival score lets growers push into colder regions grazing tolerance. without sacrificing stand life. A dormancy five with a winter Grazing itself may be poised for growth, especially in the Southeast where humiditysurvival rating of two or lower can be planted almost anywhere in makes haying difficult.the U.S.Argentina grazes pure stands of alfalfa, Miller says. We can do it here, toowith the3. Enhanced Forage Qualityright varieties and management.Low lignin content, improved fiber digestibility, and higher leaf-to-Why the Seed Industry Should Care stem ratios are changing how alfalfa is valued. These traits offer For Miller, the case for alfalfas future ismore crude protein, better milk production potential, and wider straightforward: improved genetics are makingharvest windows for growers.it a more flexible, resilient and profitable crop.Were going to see more alfalfa on marginal ground, where other crops dont perform well,4. Expanded Disease Resistancehe says. With disease resistance, stress toler- Resistance to multiple races of Aphanomyces and Anthracnose ance and quality traits, we can give growersis becoming standard. Some new lines now include protection options they havent had before.For seed companies, that means position- against Anthracnose race five and multiple Aphanomyces races, ing alfalfa not as yesterdays forage, but ashelping maintain stand density and yield.tomorrows multi-tool cropone with a role in sustainability, profitability and resilience. 5. Root Architecture InnovationAt the end of the day, Miller says, these new varieties are bred to complement eachBranched-rooted/sunken-crown varieties are showing promise otherand to help growers meet the chal- for improved grazing tolerance, better performance in high-lenges ahead.SW water-table soils, and resilience in compacted ground. These root systems also contribute to nitrogen fixation and carbon sequestration benefits. 10/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2025'