60 BULLETIN 428, XT. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGEICULTURE. 



Lack of distinct differences in the appearance of A^arieties, espe- 

 cially in seed characters, handicaps the promotion of new alfalfas. 

 Striking differences excite interest on the part of farmers, while lack 

 of them affords opportunity for fraudulent practices in connection 

 with the sale of seed. Unless a variety is markedly different from 

 one that is commonly grown, either in general appearance or in adap- 

 tation to certain conditions, farmers are not apt to take more than a 

 passing interest in it. The real differences between varieties are 

 not always visible. Hardiness and drought resistance, while highly 

 important characteristics, can not be readily determined. Fortu- 

 nately, the so-called variegated group, containing readily recogniz- 

 able hybrid alfalfas and including our hardiest and most drought- 

 resistant strains, is sufficiently distinct from the common, Peruvian, 

 and Arabian groups to be recognized by those who are familiar 

 with these groups. This lessens the confusion and has a tendency to 

 discourage to some extent the practice of seed adulteration and mis- 

 branding. 



There are at present several commercial strains belonging to the 

 variegated group, which complicates to some extent the establishment 

 of new strains of this broad group. However, the newly created 

 varieties resulting from a cross between Medicago sativa and Medi- 

 cago fdlcata have a preponderance of variegated flowers unless 

 selected to a narrow type, and this assists in distinguishing such 

 strains from the Grimm and similar older strains. 



Careless planting, harvesting, and cleaning, and, most important 

 of all, the willful substitution and adulteration of seed, soon undo 

 the work of careful breeding. These are the most serious handicaps 

 to the permanency of a new and superior variety. A considerable 

 degree of carelessness is certain to result, and the high price at which 

 seed of new varieties commonly is held offers a strong inducement for 

 fraud. Regardless of the care that has been taken and the warnings 

 that have been issued, there are thousands of pounds of seed of other 

 varieties sold annually under the name of Grimm. Properly drafted 

 and administered seed-control laws assist in keeping down such prac- 

 tices, but in many cases positive proof of fraud can not be produced 

 until after the harm has been done. 



Since it would seem that the life of a distinct and superior variety 

 of alfalfa under our present conditions is not long, it is more advan- 

 tageous to develop continuously new varieties than to endeavor to 

 perpetuate pure stocks of the old ones. This leaves a large field for 

 the various forms of Medicago falcata. Even if the hybrid strains 

 that are now used can not be improved upon, there will be need for 

 new ones to take their place when they have lost their identity 

 through mixing with other strains. 



