Proceedings of the XLVII Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics - SIGA Annual Congress

Verona, Italy - 24/27 September, 2003

ISBN 88-900622-4-X

Poster Abstract - 2.11

NEW SPECIES OF FODDER ADAPTED TO DRY - WARM ENVIRONMENTS : GRAN VELIERO AND VELOX TWO NARBON VETCH (VICIA NARBONENSIS L.) VARIETIES

G. VENORA, S. BLANGIFORTI

Stazione Sperimentale di Granicoltura per la Sicilia, Caltagirone

Vicia narbonensis L., fodder, dry - warm environments, vetch, biodiversity

The results of a selection project conducted through a period of five years are reported, two new varieties have been selected; they are adapted to dry - warm climate, useful in rotation or to break down the wheat monoculture in Mediterranean environments. The selection of more adapted species was carried out growing the more spread wild Mediterranean species of genus Vicia.

On selected species the useful grow techniques to improve grain and hay yield, were studied.

Two varieties of Vicia narbonensis L. were relised as Gran Veliero e Velox. in 2003.

The two varieties mainly differ for the biological cycle : Velox is more praecox than 10 days.

In the carried out experiments Vicia narbonensis L. distinguished itself among the other vetch species for the following advantages that can offer to Mediterranean agriculture :

- Resistance to the bird damages during the sowing period.

- Cold tolerance

- Drought tolerance

- Erect habit

- Re-growing after grazing

- Pods un-shattering at maturation

- Good leaves persistence in the hay

- Good grain yield

- High hay production

- High protein content in the seeds and straw

- Optimal digestion for polygastric

- Full crop mechanisation.

From the obtained results we can say that the new two varieties of Vicia narbonensis L., are suited to Mediterranean climate for their more good performance, quality and yield than the other common cropped vetch.