Abstract

This study was carried out with the purpose of determination of the optimum common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) varieties in terms of yield and quality characteristics under arid climate of West Mesaria, Northern Cyprus. In the study having been carried out for 3 years during production seasons of 2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, no data was obtained in 2013-2014 season because of severe drought. Within the study, 10 different Common Vetch varieties were used, and field trials were set up in a randomized complete block design with three replications. As a result, there were crucial differences detected among the varieties in terms of several parameters having been analyzed. In the period of 2012-2013 more yield was recorded than in 2013-2014 period. According to the averages of two years, the values were as follows: Cold Damage 1-1,3 points, Disease and Pest Score 1-1,3 points, Growing Status 5-7 points, Spring Growing 1-3,2 points, Number of Flowering Days 100,8- 109 days, Plant Height 35,7-44,9 cm, Fresh ForageYield 20336,8- 46537,0 kg ha-1, Dry Matter Yield 3157,1-7566,5 kg ha-1, Hay Yield 3433,8-7464,7 kg ha-1, Grain Yield 2473,2-4653,7 kg ha-1, Thousand Seed Weight 31,0-41,9 gr. A positive relation between Fresh Forage Yield, Dry Matter Yield and Dry Matter Ratio; and also a negative relation between Fresh ForageYield and Grain Yield was detected.

INTRODUCTION

Animal production accounts for about 45% and vegetative production accounts  for about 55% of  the agricultural production. Despite the fact that there are 16,345 hectares of pasture ground in the country, these areas have become nonfertile due to the effects of overgrazing  and drought in this country where there is a remarkable animal production (336,456 small animals, 66,557 large animals) (Agricultural Master Plan, 2017). In Northern Cyprus, there are approximately 124,000 hectares of  cultivated area, cereal is grown in 84,000 hectares, nearly 65-70 % of that area (Statistics and Planning Department, 2015). As a result of widely,  intensive sowing that is every year on end, the productivity and quality of the Barley have been greatly reduced, weed and disease-pest problems have increased. The most important plant that can be introduced into rotation with grains for sustainable grain farming is the Common Vetch. By activating the v ...