PX3

PX3 is a highly winter active (10) selected for improved overall yield and superior feed quality. PX3 is the latest release breeding program that originates from elite US and Australian selections.
It demonstrates rapid establishment with impressive first year and overall yield. PX3 was screened under on-farm conditions. It is well adapted to production systems based in arid environments under irrigated, cut and carry systems.

Key features

• Highly winter active rating of 10
• Fast establishment and year one yield
• Superior overall dry matter yield
• Excellent pest and disease ratings.

Benefits of sowing PX2

• Improved yield prospects compared to CUF101 and Siriver
• Fast establishment speed and reduced time to first cut
• Superior pest and disease tolerance improving prospects for persistence
• Ideally adapted to arid environment cut & carry systems.

Agronomy and Management

The ideal soil temperature for establishing alfalfa is 12°C and rising. Alfalfa seed is small, so ensure to sow close to the surface at approximately 10 –15mm deep. It is also important that there is enough soil moisture to support germination. Roll lightly prior to sowing if the soil is fluffy. In mild summer areas with irrigation, alfalfa can be sown right through spring and summer. In hot summer areas, alfalfa is best sown through autumn. Direct drilling or full cultivation are both suitable. 

It is important that alfalfa seedlings are given adequate time to establish prior to the first cut or grazing. If the stand is only weakly established grazing too early will likely result in reduced plant numbers, lower plant density and, the overall quality and longevity of the crop is diminished. The first cut / graze should occur when the plants have an established root system, usually around 6-10 weeks depending on growing conditions. After the initial cut / graze it is important that the stand be given adequate time to regrow. This is normally around 4-6 weeks, and care should be taken to avoid over stocking or stocking for an excessive duration.

Pest and Disease

PX3 is resistant (R) to phytophthora root rot (Phytophthora medicaginis) verticillium wilt and anthracnose.
As with other alfalfa varieties, PX3 is susceptible to damage from red legged earth mite (Halotydens destructor) and control measures need to take place prior to seeding or soon after germination.
AgriCOTE seed will aid establishment in these circumstances.
PX3 is highly resistant (HR) to spotted alfalfa aphid (Therioaphistrifolii) and blue-green aphid (Acyrthosiphon kondoi).