The influence of patterns of flowering of some subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) accessions and cultivars on total seed set and autumn germination in a cool temperate environment with sporadic summer rain
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Authors
Date
1994
Type
Conference Contribution - published
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Abstract
Fifteen accessions and 3 cultivars of subterranean clover
(Trifolium subterranean L.) were sown in
autumn in shallow stony soil south of Christchurch,
New Zealand. The following growing season was
atypical, with drought occurring briefly but one
month earlier than usual, the rest of the season
being wetter than usual. Contrary to previous results
highest seed yields were given by mid- to late season
flowering lines. Early flowering lines were
severely disadvantaged by the early drought,
resulting in seed yields of only 20-25 kg/ha. High
seed yields were linked with the ability of lines to
recommence flowering after drought and continue
this for a prolonged period. Two late flowering
accessions, 014454B and 014205B, yielded more
than 200 kg/ha seed, outyielding the late flowering
cv. Tallarook in spite of this cultivar having the
same ability as the other two to reflower. Six highseed
yielding lines gave naturally regenerated
seedling numbers near to or exceeding 1000/m².
Apparent hardseededness at the time of autumn
germination averaged 49% which was lower than expected for this site. It is concluded that late flowering lines of subterranean clover should always be included in mixtures of this species for pasture to ensure adequate regeneration in wetter than normal seasons.
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Copyright © The Authors and New Zealand Grassland Association.