top of page
< BACK TO ALL ALFALFA

Charger Alfalfa

An alfalfa for the aggressive alfalfa manager whose goal is to maximize harvestable forage yield from each acre. A Standfast Fast Growth alfalfa for all Mid-Atlantic production zones where fall dormancy 3, 4, or 5 alfalfas are recommended. Fits 4 or 5 cut harvest management systems. Adapted to mixtures containing early maturing, cool season grasses. No known soil type or management limitations. Charger is tall and leafy with a medium dark green plant color.
A Fast Growth StandFast Alfalfa for the aggressive alfalfa manager to maximize each season's harvestable yield. A synthetic variety developed from the crossing of fast growing, tall European alfalfas onto elite fall dormancy 5 North American plants. Screened for persistence, high yield and forage quality. Charger reaches harvest maturity 3-5 days ahead of conventional dormant alfalfa varieties.

PLANT CHARACTERISTSICS

RELATIVE FORAGE QUALITY

8

FORAGE YIELD

10

FIELD APPEARANCE

9

FALL DORMANCY

5

WINTER HARDINESS

2

MULTIFOLIOATE LEAF EXPRESSION

53.0%

FALL DORMANCY - The reaction of alfalfa varieties to decreasing day length and temperatures in the fall versus check varieties. FD 1 Norseman, FD 2 Vernal, FD 3 Ranger, FD 4 Saranac, FD 5 Archer, etc.

WINTER HARDINESS INDEX - 1: most hardy and least winter injury 5: lease hardy and injury resulting in plant death - Ratings are in relationship to the winter injury incurred by standard check varieties.

DISEASE & PEST RESISTANCE

APHANOMYCES ROOT ROT

HR

ANTHRACNOSE

HR

BACTERIAL WILT

HR

FUSARIUM WILT

HR

PHYTOPHTHORA ROOT ROT

HR

VERTICILLIUM WILT

HR

WISCONSIN DISEASE RATING

30/30

PEA APHID

-

POTATO LEAF HOPPER

5

WISCONSIN DISEASE RATING INDEX - For the six major diseases of alfalfa, a variety is awarded: 5 points for each HR, 4 points for each R, 3 points for each MR, 2 points for each LR, 1 point for each S - 30/30: Perfect Score

PEST RESISTANCE - S: Susceptible (0-5% resistant plants), LR: Low Resistance (6-14% resistant plants), MR: Moderate Resistance (15-30% resistant plants), R: Resistance (31-50% resistant plants), HR: High Resistance (+50% resistant plants)

NOT TESTED - Stem Nematode, Common Crown Rot, Powdery Mildew, Northern Anthracnose, Southern Anthracnose

bottom of page