INTA and Palo Verde launch three new alfalfa cultivars

After more than a decade of collaboration, the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) and the seed company Palo Verde have introduced three new alfalfa varieties in Oncativo, Córdoba, Argentina. Developed under a technological partnership agreement launched in 2009, these new cultivars represent the culmination of 13 years of research and development focused on addressing specific needs of livestock systems and diverse environments across the country.

The three new alfalfa varieties—Amaya PV INTA, Kumen PV INTA, and Maltetén PV INTA—were unveiled to strengthen forage options for Argentina's agricultural sector. Each cultivar was developed with distinct characteristics to meet particular challenges faced by livestock producers.

Amaya PV INTA, a highly winter-dormant alfalfa variety, was specifically bred to produce high-quality hay. Its key distinguishing trait is its strong multi-leaf expression, which enhances the leaf-to-stem ratio and increases crude protein content without compromising digestibility. This material exhibits extremely low winter dormancy, making it an ideal choice for quality hay proposals.

Kumen PV INTA, a dormancy group 9 variety, was developed to perform and yield in saline soils. This cultivar addresses the challenge of productivity in environments with high soil salinity, a common issue in many agricultural regions of Argentina. By improving tolerance to saline conditions, Kumen PV INTA ensures consistent yields and contributes to sustainable livestock production in such areas.

Maltetén PV INTA, a dormancy group 8 variety, was bred to reduce the risk of bloat under direct grazing. Bloat, caused by the accumulation of gas in the rumen, can lead to significant health issues and reduced productivity in ruminant animals. Maltetén PV INTA's lower tendency to cause bloat makes it a valuable addition to forage options for livestock systems that rely on direct grazing.

The releases of these new alfalfa varieties were registered with the National Seed Institute (INASE) in 2019 and 2023. INTA serves as the breeder for all three cultivars and submits the official descriptions of their distinctive traits to the agency. After selection and registration, INTA transfers the material to Palo Verde under the technological linkage agreement, enabling the multiplication and commercialization of these innovations. This collaboration ensures that the benefits of the breeding program reach livestock production systems across Argentina.

Ariel Odorizzi, alfalfa breeder at INTA Manfredi and coordinator of the agreement, highlighted the process focused on combining productivity, persistence, and adaptation to specific environments and uses. These new alfalfa varieties not only enhance the quality and reliability of forage but also contribute to the overall sustainability and efficiency of Argentina's livestock industry.

The introduction of these three new alfalfa cultivars marks a significant achievement for INTA and Palo Verde, reflecting their commitment to innovation and improvement in agricultural practices. By addressing key challenges faced by livestock systems, these varieties provide producers with a broader range of options to optimize productivity and adapt to diverse environmental conditions. This collaboration underscores the importance of research and development in agriculture, as well as the potential for partnerships between public institutions and private companies to drive progress and sustainability in the sector.