30 CIRCULAR NO. 119, BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY. 



conditions are generally most favorable for a seed crop. However, as 

 checking the plant growth, which is conducive to seed setting, can not 

 be accomplished as easily in the spring as in the fall, the latter period 

 is the more favorable. The production of seed of the Arabian variety 

 on a commercial scale in the United States is not promising, but as 

 this has not proved a very desirable variety and as the seed can be 

 imported at a very reasonable price the demand can perhaps be sup- 

 plied with imported seed. However, the supply in Arabia is very 



limited. 



SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS. 



Arabian alfalfa was first introduced into the United States from 

 Arabia in 1902. 



This variety is not hardy to severe winter conditions and can be 

 grown successfully only in sections having a very mild climate. 



After cutting, the plants make new growth more quickly than any 

 other variety. 



The herbage loses moisture very rapidly after cutting and must be 

 handled quickly in haymaking. The hay is of good quality. 



In the first two years Arabian alfalfa makes a much heavier early- 

 spring and late-fall growth than ordinary alfalfa. 



More cuttings per season of this variety can be secured than with 

 ordinary alfalfa, but the yield of hay is not correspondingly increased. 



Arabian alfalfa produces about the same quantity or more hay the 

 fiist two years than ordinary alfalfa, but less after the second year. 



The seed production of this variety is very uncertain, and light crops 

 oidy are secured. 



The roots of Arabian alfalfa are very soft and gophers attack them 

 in preference to other varieties. 



The short-life period, normally but three years, is an inherent 

 characteristic. 



On account of its upright soft crown and soft roots Arabian alfalfa 

 is severely injured by close pasturing 01 heavy trampling. 



This variety can not be recommended for use except in a short 

 rotation, and even then it should be used for soiling or hay purposes 

 only. 



[Cir. 110 J 



o 



