Complex Growth Regulator Increases Alfalfa Seed Production

The effects of thermophilic methane fermentation products on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth, nitrogen-fixing activity, and seed production were studied in pot and field experiments. Plant treatment with the preparation at the stages of stooling and flower bud formation resulted in an increase in the root nodule weight and their nitrogen-fixing activity, the accumulation of cytokinins (zeatin and zeatin riboside), and an increase in the green mass yield and protein content, especially at a low (0.25 of the full rate) mineral nitrogen rate. Crop seed production was considerably improved during the first (pot experiments) and second (field experiments) growing seasons. The conclusion was drawn that the causes for improved alfalfa seed production were the effects of group B vitamins, phytohormones, their interaction, and the switching of metabolic pathways toward cytokinin synthesis.