Alfalfa seed producfion and its problems in Turkey

Abstract

This article has been prepared to account for the current state of alfalfa seed production, production problems and their solutions in Turkey. There are two best known ecotypes, Kayseri and the oriental (Şark) alfalfas. These are grown mainly in Central and Eastern Anatolia regions. In recent years, however, two cultivars, Peru and Mesa-Sirsa are being widely grown on the Coastal regions. Alfalfa seed is domestically obtained from Kayaeri and Şark alfalfas in all regions except Marmara. But within the regions, the best ecology for seed production of alfalfa is found in Central and Eastern Anatolia. In general, alfalfa seed is realized on the fields established especially for hay porpose. Seed production indicates fluctuations among the years. By 1965, some of the produced seed has been exported to , but then whole production has become used domeatically. There are serious problems at every stage of seed culture of alfalfa and concequently very low yields. A great portion of the produced seed contains weed seed, dodder and other foreign particles. For this reason, it is very difficult for alfalfa growers to find pure and certified seed at market. In order to solve problems of seed production, a large scale research should be initiated, giving priority to dodder, and results transferred to alfalfa growers immidiatly. In addition, growers must be supported with economic aids of government. Furthermore, public organizations must diatribute certified seed and control the seed standardization .