T. S. KERTIKOV
Institute of Forage Crops, BG - 5800 Pleven, Bulgaria
Kertikov, T. S., 2005. Comparative characterization of economic and qualitative indices in two varieties of spring vetch (Vicia sativa L.). Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 11: 475-481
In the near past spring vetch Vicia sativa L.) was not estimated enough as a source of high-quality and cheap forage for animals and had a small share in the forage production in our country. However in the last years the scientific researches on this crop become particularly topical. In this connection in the Institute of Forage Crops in Pleven field experiments covering the three-year period of 2002-2004 were carried out. Comparative characterization of economic and qualitative indices in two varieties of spring vetch - Obrazets 666 (standard for our country) and the novel candidate variety No. 57 was made. The phenological development was studied, a structural analysis was made and the productivity of dry mass, crude protein and grain, the change in the chemical composition of forage depending on the phenological stages of harvesting, as well as the chemical composition of grain depending on the variety were recorded. It was found that the candidate variety No. 57 showed higher productivity of forage and crude protein (17.6% and 15.9%) as compared to the standard Obrazets 666 variety when harvesting it at the phenological stage of filled lower pods. Obrazets 666 variety was more high - yielding by 7.8% in grain productivity, but the grain of the candidate variety No. 57 had more valuable qualities with regard to its nutritive value. The results showed also that No. 57 variety is original and distinct from the standard Obrazets 666. It is white-flowering and has a proved shorter growing season of development and a greater height of plants.