The productivity of irrigated legumes in northern Victoria. 3. Frequency and intensity of defoliation of subterranean clover

2005 ◽  
Vol 45 (12) ◽  
pp. 1587 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Stockdale
Keyword(s):  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Ground Seed ◽  
Above Ground Level ◽  
Flower Production ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Below Ground ◽  
Seed Yields

An experiment was undertaken to consider the effects of a range of defoliation treatments on aspects of the productivity of a subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) sward (predominantly cv. Trikkala), with particular emphasis on flowering and seed production. There were 2 heights of defoliation, 2.8 and 7.0 cm (rising plate meter) above ground level, and at each height of defoliation, there were 4 intervals of harvest, 4, 6, 9 and 12 weeks. Treatments were arranged randomly within blocks, and there were 4 replicates. Harvests were conducted between autumn (6 April) and spring (13 November). The total production of herbage varied from 5.7 to 8.7 t DM/ha of harvested material, with variations in response due to both height and frequency of defoliation. Harvested yield increased from 6.2 to 7.4 t DM/ha (P<0.05) as interval between harvests was extended, and plots harvested to 2.8 cm above ground level yielded more (7.7 t DM/ha; P<0.05) harvested herbage than those harvested to 7.0 cm (6.0 t DM/ha). While there were differences in production due to defoliation management, nutritive characteristics (DM digestibility, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre) of harvested herbage were similar in all treatments throughout the year. Production of above and below ground seed increased (P<0.05) as interval between harvest increased, and was greater (P<0.05) at the higher defoliation height. Defoliating at 4- and 6-week intervals interrupted the reproductive development of Trikkala; late September–early October harvests substantially reduced both subsequent petiole extension and flower production. This resulted in Trikkala seeds of lower weight in the above ground seed pool (P<0.05). This may have impacted on regenerating ability in the next autumn because Trikkala seeds that were less than about 4 mg in weight were less likely to germinate than heavier seed. In conclusion, the highest dry matter production occurred with intensive, infrequent defoliation whereas highest seed yields were produced with lax, infrequent defoliation.

Flooding tolerance of some Western Australian pasture legumes

1967 ◽  
Vol 7 (27) ◽  
pp. 367 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Marshall ◽  
AJ Millington
Keyword(s):  
Water Table ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Seed Colour ◽  
Above Ground Level ◽  
Stages Of Growth ◽  
Pasture Legumes ◽  
Free Drainage ◽  
Western Australian

The effect of flooding on several varieties of clover was studied in three separate experiments. In experiment 1 ten cultivars of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), two of strawberry clover (T. fragiferum), two of white clover (T. repens) and Serradella (Ornithopus sativa) were subjected to two flooding treatments 77 days after planting. With the water table at ground level, herbage yields were not significantly less than those of unflooded plants in Yarloop, N2254, Yabba North, Wenijup, Palestine, and Salina and New Zealand white clovers, hut there were significant decreases in yield in N2167, N2168, Clare, Geraldton, Mt. Barker, Morocco, Ladino, and Serradella. When the water table was raised to three inches above ground level, all the cultivars had significantly lower herbage and root yields than the control plants. Overall, Yarloop appeared to be the most productive under both of the flooding treatments. In experiment 2 Yarloop and Geraldton clovers were flooded at three different stages of growth (one third eleven days after planting, one third sixty days after planting, and one third 86 days after planting). Flooding lasted 21 days then half of each group was harvested and the other half allowed to grow for a further 14 days under free drainage before harvesting. Both Geraldton and Yarloop were affected most by flooding sixty days after planting. Nodulation was delayed in the plants that were flooded eleven days after planting, but commenced once the soil was allowed to drain freely. In experiment 3, eight Yarloop crosses were flooded three inches above ground level for 21 days, 80 days after planting. The crosses were subdivided on seed colour. Flooding reduced yield in all crosses except Yarloop x Yabba Noah brown seed and Yarloop x Mt. Barker brown seed. The data suggest that breeding for greater tolerance to flooding may be practicable.

Some characteristics of "Carnamah", a very early-flowering strain of Trifolium subterraneum L., when grown as single plants

1961 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
RC Rossiter ◽  
AJ Millington
Keyword(s):  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Early Flowering ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Flower Initiation ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Initiation Rate ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Early Flower ◽  
Early Strain

A very early-flowering strain of subterranean clover was discovered in 1957 at Carnamah, W.A. From extensive studies at several field centres, it was demonstrated that the new strain – now called Carnamah – commenced flowering from 30 to 10 days before Dwalganup (the standard commercial "early" strain) when sown in the autumn-early winter period. With very early planting – late March – the difference in flowering time was even greater (about 45–50 days). The very early-flowering nature of the Carnamah strain is associated with early flower initiation. Rate of flower development (from flower initiation to flower appearance) in relation to temperature was similar for Carnamah and Dwalganup. Under spaced-plant conditions the total production of Carnamah was much less than that of Dwalganup, a finding which conforms to the results of previous single-plant studies. The new strain was not readily distinguished from Dwalganup, but several minor differences in morphology are mentioned. The chromosome number was normal for the species (2n = 16). The relevance of these data to sward conditions is discussed briefly, and it is suggested that the Carnamah strain may be more effective than Dwalganup in extending the "clover belt" inland in southern Australia.

Increased seed production of subterranean clover pastures in response to fertilizers supplying calcium

1974 ◽  
Vol 14 (71) ◽  
pp. 749 ◽  
Author(s):  
PG Ozanne ◽  
KMW Howes
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Calcium Concentration ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Unit Weight ◽  
Gypsum Plaster ◽  
Total Seed ◽  
Seed Yields

The effects of four common fertilizers containing calcium on seed production in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) were measured at six locations over five years in a total of fifteen field experiments. Calcium as a sulphate, carbonate or phosphate salt was applied to subterranean clover pastures either at the start of the growing season (autumn) or at flowering (spring). Gypsum, plaster of Paris, or lime gave large increases in seed yield per unit area and also per unit weight of tops. Spring applications of superphosphate increased seed yields in only two out of four experiments. Gypsum applied in spring at 200-500 kg ha-1 was as effective as 2,000 kg ha-1 of lime applied in autumn. Applications of lime in spring were much less effective. Increased seed yields were due to increases in burr yield, seed number per burr, and mean weight per seed. They were usually accompanied by increases in calcium concentration in the seed. Responses in seed production to calcium applications were obtained in all three sub-species of Trifolium subterraneum. In two experiments, newly sown on a soil type on which subterranean clover regeneration and persistence is commonly very poor, applied calcium doubled or quadrupled seed set. In 13 experiments using soils on which subterranean clover had persisted as the major component of the pasture for several years, calcium in the year of application increased the total seed bank by 6 to 31 per cent, and the current seed set by a greater amount.

Seed production and persistence of Carnamah and other early strains of Trifolium subterraneum in the wheatbelt of Western Australia

1967 ◽  
Vol 7 (24) ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
GB Taylor ◽  
RC Rossiter
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Early Flowering ◽  
The Other ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Seed Yields

Seed production and persistence of the Carnamah, Northam A, Dwalganup, and Geraldton strains of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) were examined in undefoliated swards in the wheatbelt of Western Australia. The early flowering characteristic of Carnamah was not always associated with higher seed yields. Only when there was a well-defined, early finish to the growing season, or when flowering was very much earlier in Carnamah (viz., following an early 'break' to the season), did this strain clearly outyield both Northam A and Geraldton. The seed yield of Dwalganup was generally inferior to that of the other strains. Factors affecting regeneration are discussed. Under low rainfall conditions, poorer germination-regulation of Carnamah, compared with Geraldton and Northam A, would be expected to result in poorer persistence unless offset by higher seed yields in the Carnamah strain.

Differential tolerance of annual medics, Nungarin subterranean clover and hedge mustard to broadleaf herbicides

1992 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
RR Young ◽  
KJ Morthorpe ◽  
PH Croft ◽  
H Nicol
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Salt ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Medicago Littoralis ◽  
Annual Medics ◽  
Seed Yields ◽  
Test Plants ◽  
Degree Of Recovery

The tolerance of 5 species of annual medics (Medicago spp.), Trifolium subterraneum cv. Nungarin, and hedge mustard (Sisymbrium orientale) to a range of post-emergence broadleaf herbicides was tested over 2 years. The least damaging to M. truncatula was 2,4-DB, which provided more consistent and effective control of hedge mustard than the other chemicals tested, including the less expensive tank mix of 2,4-DB + diuron. MCPA amine or sodium salt (300 g a.i./ha), bromoxynil (420 g a.i./ha), and tank mixes containing MCPA amine (150-175 g a.i./ha) severely damaged annual medics, particularly M. truncatula, with flowering delayed by up to 21 days, and dry matter and seed yields often significantly (P<0.05) reduced. Seed yields of most test plants indicated a degree of recovery from herbicide damage assessed visually after 10 days. Hedge mustard was not always as severely damaged by MCPA amine as was M. truncatula. Nungarin subterranean clover and M. aculeata SAD 2356 were more tolerant than the M. truncatula cultivars of MCPA amine, MCPA sodium salt, MCPA tank mixes, and bromoxynil, and less tolerant of 2,4-DB. Medicago littoralis, M. polymorpha and M. laciniata were severely damaged by bromoxynil but were more tolerant of MCPA than M. truncatula.

Effect of soil acidity and nutrient deficiencies on the growth and persistence of subterranean clover in pastures grown on sandy soils near Esperance, Western Australia

1985 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 893 ◽  
Author(s):  
MDA Bolland
Keyword(s):  
Seed Yield ◽  
Soil Acidity ◽  
Sandy Soils ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Nutrient Deficiencies ◽  
The Past ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Copper Zinc ◽  
Seed Yields

Most of the sandy soils near Esperance, W.A., were cleared of native vegetation and sown to subterranean clover in the 1950s and 1960s. Over the past 20-30 years, pH values of the topsoil (1:5, soil: water) have decreased from 6.5-7.0 to 5.0-5.5. The application of 2 t/ha of agricultural lime increased the soil pH (1:5, 0.01 CaCl2) from 5.5 to 5.8, from 4.9 to 5.6, and from 5.1 to 5.5 at three sites that had been sown to subterranean clover for 10, 20 and 40 years respectively. However, lime had no effect on either dry matter production or seed yield of subterranean clover. Additions of calcium in a further experiment also did not affect the seed yield of subterranean clover. Irrespective of the lime treatments, the addition of nutrients (phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, copper, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, manganese and boron) significantly (P<0.05) improved dry herbage yields by a factor of 1.3, 1.7 and 1.4 at the 10-, 20- and 40-year-old sites. However, the addition of nutrients did not affect seed yields of subterranean clover. In other experiments, the omission of sulfur, potassium and, for the deepest sandy site, phosphorus reduced dry herbage yields by between 10-30%. The omission of molybdenum from treatments of the 20- and 40-year-old pasture reduced herbage yields by 21 and 16% respectively. However, omission of molybdenum in the experiment sited on the 10-year-old pasture did not affect yields. Thus, as the acidification of the sandplain soils continues, molybdenum may become deficient and may limit herbage yields of subterranean clover.

Pasture mixes with lucerne (Medicago sativa) increase yields and water-use efficiencies over traditional pastures based on subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum)

2016 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 69 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. McCaskill ◽  
M. C. Raeside ◽  
S. G. Clark ◽  
C. MacDonald ◽  
B. Clark ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Dry Matter Production ◽  
Weed Invasion ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Water Use Efficiencies

Pastures sown to lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) with a perennial non-legume could increase feed supply relative to traditional pastures based on subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.). Such mixtures might also be preferable to pure lucerne pastures, which are prone to weed invasion. Yield and water-use efficiency (harvested dry matter per unit evapotranspiration) of mixtures with lucerne or subterranean clover were compared a field experiment established under rainfed conditions at Hamilton, Victoria. Soil moisture and dry matter production were measured over 2 years. Treatments included chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb.) with either lucerne or subterranean clover; pure lucerne; and phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) with only subterranean clover. In the second year, dry matter production from lucerne mixtures exceeded that of equivalent mixtures with subterranean clover in spring, summer and winter. In spring, the lucerne component continued producing for longer than the clover component through its use of deeper stored soil water, and in summer, lucerne continued to grow slowly after the grass component had entered a drought-induced dormancy. In winter, the contribution from the lucerne component complemented, rather than competed with, that from the non-legume component. Water-use efficiencies during winter–spring ranged from 4 kg ha–1 mm–1 for chicory–clover to 27 kg ha–1 mm–1 for a fescue–lucerne mixture, and during summer–autumn from nil for cocksfoot–clover to 13 kg ha–1 mm–1 for a fescue–lucerne mixture. This study demonstrates that lucerne-based mixtures can increase forage supply per unit water use relative to traditional pastures based on subterranean clover.

Effect of timing of forage conservation on forage yield and quality, seed yield and seedling regeneration of four subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) cultivars

2008 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 1133 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. S. Dear ◽  
B. F. Hackney ◽  
G. M. Dyce ◽  
C. A. Rodham
Keyword(s):  
Seed Yield ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Seedling Regeneration ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Cutting Height ◽  
Seed Yields ◽  
Forage Yields

Swards of four cultivars of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) were cut at three different times to determine the effect on forage yield and quality, seed set and seedling regeneration in two successive seasons in southern New South Wales. The four cultivars of subterranean clover (Seaton Park LF, Junee, Goulburn and Clare) were cut on 23–25 September (early cut), 8–10 October (mid cut) or 22–23 October (late cut), to simulate an early silage, late silage or hay cut. Additional treatments imposed included either grazing or leaving the regrowth after cutting and raising the cutting height from 3 to 6 cm. Forage yields ranged from 3.5 to 9.3 t dry matter (DM)/ha in the first year and from 2.0 to 5.9 t DM/ha in the second year. Herbage yield was influenced by both cultivar and harvest time with the highest yields achieved with the mid cut. Lower forage yields at the later cut were attributed to losses due to respiration and decay under dense leaf canopies. Changes in forage quality were consistent across both years, with in vivo DM digestibility declining from 76–79% to 69–70% as cutting time was delayed. Crude protein fell from 22–24% to 14–17% over the same period, depending on cultivar. Seed yields in both years were influenced by both cutting time and cultivar with a positive relationship (R2 = 0.45–0.61) between herbage present in late spring after a period of regrowth and subsequent seed yield. The early flowering cultivar Seaton Park LF had the highest seed yield in both years and the more erect cultivar Clare had the lowest. Seed yields declined with later cutting time but increased by an average of 39% when the cutting height was raised from 3 to 6 cm. Seedling regeneration reflected seed yield responses with the largest seedling regeneration occurring in treatments cut early. The study found that forage conservation in early October is likely to yield more and be of higher quality than swards cut later in the season. Seed set is greatly reduced by all cutting strategies to levels unprofitable for seed harvesting but may be adequate for pasture regeneration.

scholarly journals Leaf development and dry matter production of subterranean clover cultivars in relation to autumn sward management

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 193-200
Author(s):  
D.J. Moot ◽  
A.D. Black ◽  
W.R. Scott ◽  
J. Richardon
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Physical Damage ◽  
Trifoliate Leaf ◽  
Temperature Regimes ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Leaf Appearance ◽  
Lincoln University

Seeds of five cultivars of subterranean clover, together with one of white clover, were sown in a wide range of temperature regimes under both controlled environment and field conditions. Results were consistent across temperature regimes and showed that the first trifoliate leaf emerged after 230 °Cd for all subterranean clover cultivars and 309 °Cd for the white clover cultivar. For subterranean clover, exponential leaf appearance commenced after 434 °Cd at the six total leaf stage. At this time, subterranean clover can be defoliated without causing permanent physical damage to seedlings. The field study at Lincoln University showed that subterranean clover that germinated in March produced 44 kg DM/ha/day for 158 days to yield approximately 7 000 kg DM/ha by mid-September. Subterranean clover that germinated in May produced 15 kg DM/ha/day for 120 days to yield only 1 800 kg DM/ha by mid September. These results are discussed in relation to the time of autumn grazing management for subterranean clover, including extrapolation to other climatic areas of New Zealand. Key words: herbage yield, phyllochron, seedling establishment, thermal time, Trifolium subterraneum, T. repens, white clover

scholarly journals The influence of patterns of flowering of some subterranean clover (Trifolium subterruneum L.) accessions and cultivars on total seed set and autumn germination in a cool temperate environment with sporadic summer rain

1994 ◽  
pp. 127-131
Author(s):  
M.L. Smetham ◽  
D.W. Jack ◽  
Sandy E.H. Hammond
Keyword(s):  
Seed Set ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Late Flowering ◽  
Cool Temperate ◽  
Stony Soil ◽  
Temperate Environment ◽  
Total Seed ◽  
Seed Yields ◽  
Summer Rain

Fifteen accessions and 3 cultivars of subterranean exnected for this site. It is concluded that lateclover (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 lateseason 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 fldwering lines of subterranean clover should always be included in mixtures of this species for pasture to ensure adequate regeneration in wetter than normal seasons. Keywords: accessions, cultivars, flowering, hardseededness, regeneration, seed production, Trifolium subterraneum

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