Abstract

BERNALDEZ, M.L. et al. Comparison of two quantitative indexes for the estimation of alfalfa development stages. Agriscientia [online]. 2006, vol.23, n.2, pp.77-82. ISSN 1668-298X.

The developmental stage of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an usual variable of study when evaluating cultivars because of its relationship with chemical composition and pasture growth rate. Determination of quantitative indexes such as "mean stage by count" and "mean stage by weight" (MSC and MSW respectively) makes it possible to describe the developmental phenological stages of alfalfa pastures in a more objective and reproducible way. Likewise, both the MSC and MSW indexes, describe the developmental stages of alfalfa when the pasture is close to the recommended utilisation time in practice. The advantage of estimating MSC in relation to MSW is based on the higher operative efficiency offered by the former in data generation for its calculation.

Keywords : Alfalfa; Developmental stages; Quantitative index.

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