ABSTRACT
The cultivation of lucerne has been linked with the history of man for nearly 10 000 years. Different names have been given to this plant: Medicago, alfalfa and lucerne. The composition, abundance and species behaviour of the pollinators play an important role in the reproduction of lucerne. Lucerne plants in the forms from Asia Minor have been cultivated in Western Europe and America since ancient times, becoming of more commercial importance during the Renaissance. The common cultivated lucerne plants are in strong equilibrium with the ecosystem, agricultural techniques and environment. Ecotypes and variety populations are in a state of equilibrium with their environment because of the insect pollinators and the pedo-climate. Lucerne adapts well to new environments with hybrid traits between Medicago sativa and Medicago falcata. Zygote selection is made depending upon environmental conditions such as climate, soil and intra and interspecific competition.
