Objective:
1. To determine levels of hybrid biomass heterosis between male sterile Dairyland Seed Medicago sativa subsp. sativa (hereafter, sativa) and improved Medicago sativa subsp. falcata (hereafter, falcata) populations HFAL and IAFAL in multiple environments. 2. To determine if there are particular eco-regions in the U.S. that would be best suited for sativa by falcata hybrids.

Approach:
Sativa by falcata hybrid seed was generated by Dairyland Seed (DS) in 2005 by test-crossing falcata populations HFAL and IAFAL in 5 DS male sterile clones. Starting in 2006 at multiple locations (Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota & Wisconsin), the hybrids & their parental representatives will be grown in a randomized complete block design with 3 replicates. Multiple harvests (contingent on climate & weather conditions) of biomass yield will be taken in 2006 (depending on location), 2007, 2008, 2009 (depending on location), & 2010 (depending on location). Depending on test location, plant height & possibly forage quality & grazing tolerance will be evaluated.