Abstract
Sixty varieties of alfalfa were classified to five groups according to their growth habits. Process of classification and growth habits of varieties belonged to each group were as follows : 1. There were observed varietal differences remarkably among 14 growth characters including the trends of spring and fall growth, plant vigor, and regrowth after cutting. Also, the regression was high between each growth character. 2. All varieties were divided by using these growth characters as the index of classification and finally their classification indices were calculated. Classification was done by this index. 3. Varieties which belonged to the 1st group were errect in plant shape and early grower in spring. They grew well even in the fall and good in regrowth after cutting. These growth habit indicated that this group did not readily response to the environment and could be adapted to warm region. The 3rd group was the intermediate. Varieties of the 5th group were prostrate type. Their growth was slow and growing period was shorter, indicating this group responded sensitively to the environments and was thought to be adapted to cool climate conditions. 4. From this classification of alfalfa varieties, it becomes easy to understand thic growth habit of each variety systematically and could select the best varieties adapted to warm region.
