Alfalfa fodder SW8421S

for animal feed

SW 8421S produces high forage yields with or without high salt conditions. Using irrigation water with an Electrical Conductivity rating of 15 (very salty water), SW 8421S out-produced both the standard salinity check entry (AZ-90NDC-ST) and Salado by 39% and 32% respectively in University of Arizona salinity trials at Tucson. Adaptation and Yields SW 8421S is a non-dormant variety, with a fall dormancy rating of 8. Growth is erect with rapid recovery after cutting. It is adapted to areas of warm and hot temperatures from the central Sacramento valley to the low desert areas and coastal growing areas of California. SW 8421S has produced 15% more hay than Cuf 101 in the University of California trials in Fresno County, California and 14% more than Cuf 101 in Tucson, Arizona. Resistance to Pests and Stand Resistance This variety is highly resistant to Bacterial Wilt, Fusarium Wilt and to Spotted Alfalfa Aphid; resistant to Phytophthora Root Rot, Pea Aphid, Blue Alfalfa Aphid and to Southern Root Knot Nematode. Stand persistence in a three year trial at Tucson, Arizona was 96% at the end of three years, compared to Cuf 101 variety, which had a 61% survival of plants at that time. Flexible SW 8421S gives growers an 8 dormancy choice in both salty soils and good soils in temperatures typical of Central and Southern California alfalfa hay producing areas.