Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Medicago sativa
Medicago sativa is a forage legume. Its high protein content makes it suitable for livestock feed. It has a tetraploid genome. M. sativa was probably domesticated in the in Near East during the Bronze Age to feed horses being brought from Central Asia, and later spread to Europe.
M. sativa is commonly cultivated for the production of lucerne hay. The largest cost of producing hay is in its establishment, and the gradual thinning and invasion of stands by weeds and grasses can reduce the life of the pasture. A combination of herbicides may be required for control. A genetically modified variety which is tolerant to the herbicide Roundup has been developed and is being field-tested for a 2004-05 release in the United States.
Common names include Alfalfa, Lucerne, Medic, Purple Medic, and Trefoil.
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