AMES, Iowa -- Results of the 2005 Iowa Crop Performance Test for alfalfa are now available online at http://www.agron.iastate.edu/icia/. Published bulletins will be available Oct. 18 and can be requested by contacting Iowa Crop Improvement Association (ICIA) at (515) 294-6921 or the Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Distribution Center at (515) 294-5247.

The 2005 alfalfa test includes entries of commercial varieties conducted at Ames and Nashua. Additionally, a leafhopper tolerance trial was conducted at Ames. Performance data provided with the results include yield in tons per acre, fall dormancy ratings, and disease resistances. No winterkill occurred during the 2004-2005 winter. Average yields were six to eight tons per acre on a dry matter basis.  Results from a miscellaneous legumes and an orchardgrass test are included as well.

ICIA's crop performance testing program is a cooperative effort with the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station and ISU Extension. The program offers unbiased, third-party information to Iowa growers on commercial seed available for them to grow. Information on the adaptation and performance of hybrids and varieties is currently offered for alfalfa, barley, corn, oat, soybean, triticale and wheat.

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