Bio-morphological peculiarities of new cultivars of fodder galega (Galega orientalis Lam.)

The first Lithuanian fodder galega (Galega orientalis Lam.) high-yielding cultivars: 'Vidmantai', 'Laukiai' and 'Melsviai' were bred in 1986-2000 at the Research Station of the Lithuanian University of Agriculture by applying group and individual selection of progeny from the wild populations. A good adaptability to Lithuanian agro-climatic conditions we established for the new fodder galega cultivar 'Vidmantai', 'Laukiai'and 'Melsviai'. 'Vidmantai', 'Laukiai' and 'Melsviai' create early, heavy, protein-rich yields and high resistance to phytopathogens and pests. The cultivars 'Vidmantai', 'Laukiai', and 'Melsviai' were tested in competitive variety trials during the period of 1996-2001. The aim of this research was to investigate and compare the characteristics of new bred Lithuanian cultivars with improved, economically–valuable cultivar characteristics. The average DM yield data after 3 years of cultivar competitive experiments varied from 12.1 up to 13.9 t ha E–1 in depending on the cultivar and climatic conditions. A stable yield of seeds (0.58-0.61 t haE -1) was established. The protein content on average consisted of 219.0 g kgE-1. Fluorescence can be used to estimate the intensity of photosynthesis and is related to biosynthetic activity and biomass yield. The maximum level of fluorescence was that of the 2nd and the 3rd leaf ranks. The indices of fluorescence (Ft in steady-state light and maximal Fm fluorescence, quantum yield of electron transport Y and electron transport rate ETR) values significantly increased with increasing leaf age up to 3rd leaf rank and decreased from the 4th leaf rank in all the examined varieties. Measurements of photosynthetic efficiency for genotype comparison should be performed on the 3rd leaf rank. The greatest influence of leaf rank on Ft, Fm, Y and ETR were observed for 'Melsviai'. 'Laukiai' produced the biggest seed yield and had the highest Y (0.290) and ETR (104.9) value. The cultivars 'Vidmantai', 'Laukiai' and 'Melsviai' were registered in Lithuania in 2001. The breeders of 'Vidmantai', 'Laukiai' and 'Melsviai' are L. Baležentiene, V. Spruogis, O. Kažemekas and J.Levinskas. These cultivars have been sent for DUS testing in 2006.