Preferred Seed

   We are proud to introduce an improvement to an already excellent product. As we all know, not all soils in the Northeast are well drained. And while there have been a limited number of alfalfa varieties on the market with the potential of producing secondary roots with a spreading root growth habit none have performed well in the normal humid climate of the Northeast. Thus, alfalfa breeders have continued to search for germ plasm with a root system that would tolerate less well drained soils and still persist and produce satisfactory yields of quality forage. PS 105 EXTRA Branch Rooted Alfalfa is a new result of this search with a root system genetically designed to express a greater degree of the branched rooted trait. This trait helps keep more of the branched root system closer to the surface and better secures the plant in the ground when freezing and thawing occurs. The branch rooted trait tends to be indeterminate which means it will adjust as moisture stresses intensify. In addition to the branched root trait, PS 105BR EXTRA has produced good forage yields on well drained soils. It has better than average persistence and production on less well drained soils, is winter hardy, and has the best available multipest resistance. It would be considered a companion alfalfa to Preferred Seed’s high yielding, deep rooted varieties on soils that are less than well drained.

    PS 105 BR EXTRA has been evaluated for yield over a wide range of soil and climatic conditions in the Northeast and upper Midwest. On well drained soils forage yields of PS 105 BR EXTRA have been within the LSD to yields of the best varieties. Sites with poorly drained soils are where PS 105 BR EXTRA clearly shows its advantages. It consistently produces 6% to 14% higher yield than the check varieties with superior persistence. Forage quality of properly managed production of PS 105 BR EXTRA is excellent. Pest resistance is improved with a 30 out of a possible 30 in the Wisconsin Disease Resistance Index. PS 105 BR EXTRA has excellent winter survival, combined with fast recovery after harvest and excellent fall dormancy. This combination provides more flexibility in cutting management.

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