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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Logan, Utah » Forage and Range Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #165065
Title: FORAGE KOCHIA - UZBEKISTAN'S DESERT ALFALFA

Author
item Waldron, Blair
item HARRISON, R - UTAH STATE UNIV
item RABBIMOV, ABDULLA - UZBEK RESEARCH INST
item MUKIMOV, TOLIB - UZBEK RESEARCH INST
item YUSUPOV, SURATBEK - UZBEK RESEARCH INST
item TURSVNOVA, G - UZBEK RESEARCH INST

Submitted to: Rangelands
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/4/2004
Publication Date: 2/1/2005
Citation: Waldron, B.L., Harrison, R.D., Rabbimov, A., Mukimov, T.C., Yusupov, S.Y., Tursvnova, G. 2005. Forage kochia - uzbekistan's desert alfalfa. Rangelands 27:7-12

Interpretive Summary: Forage Kochia is often referred to as the "alfalfa of the desert" by Uzbekistan sheep herders and is one of their preferred rangeland forages. Recent research has verified that forage kochia for fall/winter grazing can improve the sustainability of the ranching industry in the western U.S., and provide valuable forage and cover for wildlife. However, its winter use has been limited due to its relatively short stature. This article describes forage kochia germplasm obtained by the USDA from Uzbek scientists. Initial research has suggested that breeding and selection, within the Uzbek germplasm, will result in more productive, larger-statured forage kochia cultivars adapted to the western U.S.

Technical Abstract: Forage Kochia is often referred to as the "alfalfa of the desert" by Uzbekistan sheep herders and is one of their preferred rangeland forages. Recent research has verified that forage kochia for fall/winter grazing can improve the sustainability of the ranching industry in the western U.S., and provide valuable forage and cover for wildlife. However, its winter use has been limited due to its relatively short stature. This article describes forage kochia germplasm obtained by the USDA from Uzbek scientists. Initial research has suggested that breeding and selection, within the Uzbek germplasm, will result in more productive, larger-statured forage kochia cultivars adapted to the western U.S.