Provocative conditions for the isolation of winter-hardy alfalfa genotypes

The article summarizes the scientific results on the use of provocative backgrounds in alfalfa breeding to isolate winter-hardy genotypes for the conditions of the Non-Chernozem zone of the Russian Federation. An overview of scientific research for the period from 1981 to 2024 is presented. It has been established that in order to preserve alfalfa crops, it is necessary to use proper agricultural technology, including: sowing no later than the critical dates for sowing seeds, autumn mowing before the critical dates for autumn harvesting, leaving stubble to retain snow, growing alfalfa together with a vetch-oat mixture, deep plowing of areas for crops, etc. The most effective breeding methods for isolating winter-hardy alfalfa genotypes are: sowing on hills, removing snow cover, freezing vegetation vessels, etc. The use of these methods allows us to identify genotypes that will then be involved in the selection process as a source of winter hardiness.