Priorities for the development of alfalfa pasture in northern China

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is acclaimed as "Queen of forages" because of its great yield and high feeding value. China is the second biggest country in acreage of alfalfa cultivation, but the cultivation regions of alfalfa are distinguished by adverse climatic and edaphic conditions in northern China. Moreover, the lack of elite alfalfa varieties with great adaptation and poor field management are vital factors limiting development of alfalfa pasture in China. In addition, nutritional quality of alfalfa in China is also poor compared to that in countries of developed animal husbandry industrial. Here, we propose several priorities in terms of a comprehensive system of alfalfa breeding, field management, harvest and processing with Chinese characteristics, based on the theories and methodologies of breeding science, agronomy, plant physiology and agricultural machinery. Implementation of these priorities will greatly contribute to the sustainable development of the alfalfa pasture in China.