Lucerne-Alfalfa Seed

Venus (Medicago sativa) is a semi winter active variety with a dormancy rating of 5 which will provide low levels of herbage production during the winter period. It has exceptional persistence and productivity under dryland conditions making it well suited to long term pasture rotations. Venus is a superior replacement for Hunter River and has been selected for multiple pest/disease resistances and herbage production. Venus has low lying crowns which make it well suited to grazing situations and has on average a crown size 25% larger than most other semi dormant varieties.

Siriver (Medicago sativa) is a highly winter active variety with a dormancy rating of 9 which will provide high levels of herbage production during the winter period. It was derived from Hunter River and CUF 101 in response to widespread Aphid attacks throughout Australia. Winter active varieties have erect crowns and are particularly well suited to hay cuts. However, they tend to be more susceptible to grazing damage if appropriate management is not enforced. Highly winter active varieties do not demonstrate the long term persistence of more semi active types and therefore should only be considered for short to medium term rotations. Siriver has a good range of pest resistance but is susceptible to most major diseases of Lucerne.

Sequel (Medicago sativa) is a highly winter active variety with a dormancy rating of 9 which will produce high levels of herbage production during the winter period. Winter active varieties have erect crowns and are particularly well suited to hay cuts. However, the erect nature of the plant crowns makes highly winter active varieties, such as Sequel, more susceptible to grazing damage if appropriate management is not enforced. Highly winter active varieties do not demonstrate the long term persistence of more semi active types and therefore should only be considered for short to medium term rotations. Sequel demonstrates good resistance ratings for pest and diseases which allow it to be utilised in both dryland and irrigated environments.

Hunter River is one of the oldest varieties in Australia, having been introduced during the early years of European settlement in Australia. Unlike other Lucerne varieties it is considered a local ecotype and was virtually the only Lucerne variety grown in Australia until Aphid infestation in 1977. This event was responsible for the development and release of numerous Aphid resistant varieties. Hunter River is a semi winter active variety with a dormancy rating of 5 which will provide low levels of winter production. This dormancy rating will make it well suited to long term pasture rotations. It has a low lying crown which makes it tolerant to heavy grazing situations. However, it is susceptible to most major pest and diseases of Lucerne and has been superseded by varieties such as Venus.

Hunterfield (Medicago sativa) was selected for Aphid resistance and was originally developed from Hunter River. It is a semi winter active variety with a dormancy rating of 6 which will provide low to moderate levels of herbage production during the winter period. Hunterfield demonstrates varying levels of resistance to Aphids but is susceptible to major Lucerne diseases which limit its persistence in high rainfall or irrigation. Hunterfield has a low lying crown which makes it suited to grazing situations and will demonstrate good persistence in dryland environments. It has now been superseded by varieties with an improved disease profile and persistence such as Venus and Genesis. 

Genesis (Medicago sativa) is a semi winter active variety with a dormancy rating of 7 which will provide low to moderate levels of herbage production during the winter period. Genesis has a low lying crown making it well suited to grazing situations. It has multiple pest and disease resistances with excellent persistence and adaptability to either dryland or irrigated situations. Genesis can be grown successfully for hay or silage and is a superior alternative to Aurora, Trifecta and Hunterfield through increased herbage production, improved disease and insect resistance.

Aurora (Medicago sativa) is a semi winter active variety with a dormancy rating of 6 which will produce low to moderate levels of herbage production during the winter period. Aurora is a general purpose variety that is well suited to either haymaking or grazing situations. It demonstrates multiple pest and disease resistances which provides Aurora with excellent persistence and good adaptability to either dryland or irrigated situations. These attributes combine to provide good yields over a long period of time. Aurora was developed as a superior alternative to varieties such as Trifecta and Hunter River.

Aquarius (Medicago sativa) is a winter active Lucerne with a dormancy rating of 8. It is a dual purpose variety that is well suited to the production of high quality hay and responds quickly after cutting. Although a winter active type, crowns of Aquarius are densely branched and spreading with deep green leaves on relatively fine stems. Aquarius has excellent Root Rot and Aphid resistance which provides increased productivity and persistence in irrigated or high rainfall conditions.

Sirosal (Medicago sativa) is a highly winter active variety with a dormancy rating of 9 which will produce high levels of herbage production during the winter period. Winter active varieties have erect crowns and are particularly well suited to hay cuts. However, they tend to be more susceptible to grazing damage if appropriate management is not enforced. Highly winter active varieties do not demonstrate the long term persistence of more semi active types and therefore should only be considered for short to medium term rotations. Sirosal has a good range of pest/disease resistances which can be grown successfully for hay or silage and is a superior alternative to Siriver.