Autecological Study on Seed Germination and Growth Analysis of a Fodder Crop Medicago Sativa L.

Abstract

Abstract
The ecological factors that affect vegetation are climatic, edaphic (soil) and biotic. The major climatic factors are temperature, light, wind and water. It is now a well-known fact that temperature is globally affecting the flora and fauna and it may soon manifest into a major problem. To overcome this problem, mankind must evolve a suitable genotype, which will be able to withstand global warming and sustain itself, thus maintaining the ecological balance. A large number of fodder crops are used all over the world. The most common are Medicago sativa and Trifolium alexandrium. Medicago sativa is a perennial legume that thrives for three to twelve years, depending on variety and climate, generally growing well under cool climatic conditions. In Vidharbha region this crop is grown from October to February and is cultivated as an annual crop. Therefore, a detailed autecological study of this fodder crop is essential for its sustainable growth especially in the adverse conditions of summer. This research work deals with different parameters such as, storage, dormancy, effect of temperature on germination and biomass of the plant. This study can help to generate necessary information and database with the germination pattern of fodder crop. This prerequisite information for proper cultivation of this fodder crop would enhance better biomass which would sustain even during change of climatic conditions.

Keywords: autecology, biomass, dormancy, germination, Medicago sativa