*2.1.1.2 Seedling growth and establishment*

The first visible structure above the ground is cotyledon. A unifoliate leaf emerges as a true leaf, then the trifoliate, which is the second leaf with three leaflets will be produced. As the growth progress the plant produces alternatively arranged trifoliate leaves. Photosynthesis meets all energy requirements by the alfalfa seedling [29]. The first buds develop in the axils of all leaves, at the point of secondary stem emergence.
