Seeding rate, time of sowing and fertilizers for subterranean clover seed production

1973 ◽  
Vol 13 (65) ◽  
pp. 681 ◽  
Author(s):  
BJ Quinlivan ◽  
AC Devitt ◽  
CM Francis
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Seeding Rate ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
Commercial Crop ◽  
Clover Seed ◽  
High Phosphate

In two experiments in successive years on a sandy soil in Western Australia, seed production of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) when sown as a commercial crop was greatly influenced by time of sowing, phosphate rates and seeding rate. Early (April) sowing, high phosphate (up to 600 kg ha-1) and higher seeding rates (up to 24 kg ha-1) all increased seed set but the major effect was that of earliness of sowing. Time of sowing interacted with phosphate rates, the time of sowing differences being only fully expressed at high phosphate rates. Artificial nitrogen applied had a significant effect on seed yield in one of the trial years.

scholarly journals Harvesting subterranean clover seed – current practices, technology and issues

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 223
Author(s):  
Wesley M. Moss ◽  
Andrew L. Guzzomi ◽  
Kevin J. Foster ◽  
Megan H. Ryan ◽  
Phillip G. H. Nichols
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Seed Production ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Pasture Plant ◽  
Clover Seed ◽  
Production Industry ◽  
Pasture Legume

Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) is Australia’s most widely sown annual pasture legume. Its widespread use as a pasture plant requires a well-functioning seed production industry, and Australia is the only significant producer of subterranean clover seed globally. However, the sustainability of this industry is under threat due to its reliance on ageing harvest equipment and the resultant environmental impacts. In order to evaluate seed harvesting practices, technology, and issues, we report on case studies, workshops, and a survey of seed producers across southern Australia. The Horwood Bagshaw Clover Harvester, designed in the 1950s, remains the most popular subterranean clover seed harvester. We discuss its use and modifications, and document several contemporary issues facing the seed production industry. Issues are primarily soil erosion and degradation; the expensive, slow and labour-intensive harvest process; and poor reliability and maintainability of harvesters that are now at least 30 years old. We conclude the root cause of these issues is the suction harvest technology utilised by the Horwood Bagshaw Clover Harvester. Analysis of the current harvest system is provided to support the development of new approaches to harvest subterranean clover seeds.

Effect of companion perennial grasses and lucerne on seed yield and regeneration of subterranean clover in two wheatbelt environments

2001 ◽  
Vol 52 (10) ◽  
pp. 973 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. S. Dear ◽  
J. M. Virgona ◽  
G. A. Sandral ◽  
A. D. Swan ◽  
B. A. Orchard
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Seed Bank ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Seedling Regeneration ◽  
Early Autumn ◽  
Background Population ◽  
Seed Reserves ◽  
Clover Seed

Seed production of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) in mixtures with lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula (Schrader) Nees cv. Consol), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L. cv. Currie), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L. cv. Sirolan), danthonia (Austrodanthonia richardsonii (Cashm.) H.P. Linder, cv. Taranna), and lucerne (Medicago sativa L. cv. Aquarius) was compared with pure and degraded (invaded by annual volunteers) annual subterranean clover pasture at 2 sites (Junee and Kamarah) in the southern wheatbelt of New South Wales. Seed yields, clover seedlings in winter, and the change in the proportion of 3 subterranean clover cultivars (Dalkeith, Seaton Park, Goulburn) when grown with and without perennials were assessed. The effect of thinning the perennials to 10 plants/m2 on clover seed set was examined at the drier site. Seed production of subterranean clover in the mixtures was depressed by up to 50% compared with the pure and degraded annual swards. Initial clover seed poduction in the mixtures was at least 60 kg/ha even in the drought year at the wetter site (Junee), and >85 kg/ha at Kamarah, the drier site (seedling establishment at Kamarah failed in the drought year). Clover seed reserves in the following 2 years progressively increased to >300 kg/ha in the perennial swards at Junee but were <100 kg/ha by the end of the third year at Kamarah. In comparison, seed reserves in the pure clover and degraded annual swards were >650 kg/ha at Junee and >350 kg/ha at Kamarah. Reducing perennial density to 10 plants/m2 at the drier site increased clover seed yield about 3-fold in the first year compared with unthinned perennial swards. The increased seed yield was due to increased numbers of burrs set and increased seeds per burr and, in all perennial pasture treatments except lucerne, increased seed size. Clover seedling regeneration in 3rd and 4th year after sowing was substantially lower in the perennial-based mixtures than annual plots, with a significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation at both sites between clover seedling regeneration and seed bank size (1996, r2 = 0.46–0.64; 1997, r2 = 0.64–0.85). Following false breaks in early autumn, clover seedling populations were substantially higher in the pure and degraded clover treatments than in most perennial treatments. The proportion of the 3 cultivars present in the seed bank at the end of the pasture phase differed between sites but the sward type only influenced the proportion at the drier site. At the medium rainfall site, the later maturing cultivar Goulburn constituted 27–54% of the seed bank and the early flowering Dalkeith 25–46%, with unsown cultivars being insignificant ( <1%). At the low rainfall site, Dalkeith was the major component (33–52%) of the seed bank but the background population of unsown cultivars constituted 11–48%, the lowest proportion being in swards without a perennial component. The proportion of Goulburn was highest (23%) in the pure sward and lowest (10%) in lucerne and phalaris. It was concluded that subterranean clover could form relatively stable mixtures with perennials in medium rainfall environments, with clover populations increasing with time. In lower rainfall environments, clover seedling populations in perennial swards may be low due to reduced seed set and decreased seedling survival following early autumn rains. In these environments earlier maturing, hard-seeded cultivars are more likely to persist in mixtures and there is more potential for unsown cultivars to constitute a greater proportion of the sward. Decreasing perennial density offers scope for improving clover seed set and survival in these environments.

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.

Izmir subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L. var. subterraneum)

2007 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 226 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. G. H. Nichols ◽  
G. A. Sandral ◽  
B. S. Dear ◽  
C. T. de Koning ◽  
D. L. Lloyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
New South ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Good Seed ◽  
Improvement Program ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Pasture Legume

Izmir is a hardseeded, early flowering, subterranean clover of var. subterraneum (Katz. et Morley) Zohary and Heller collected from Turkey and developed by the collaborating organisations of the National Annual Pasture Legume Improvement Program. It is a more hardseeded replacement for Nungarin and best suited to well-drained, moderately acidic soils in areas with a growing season of less than 4.5 months. Izmir seed production and regeneration densities in 3-year pasture phases were similar to Nungarin in 21 trials across southern Australia, but markedly greater in years following a crop or no seed set. Over all measurements, Izmir produced 10% more winter herbage and 7% more spring herbage than Nungarin. Its greater hardseededness and good seed production, makes it better suited to cropping rotations than Nungarin. Softening of Izmir hard seeds occurs later in the summer–autumn period than Nungarin, giving it slightly greater protection from seed losses following false breaks to the season. Izmir is recommended for sowing in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. Izmir has been granted Plant Breeders Rights in Australia.

Bean leafroll virus is widespread in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) seed crops and can be persistently transmitted by bluegreen aphid (Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji)

2012 ◽  
Vol 63 (9) ◽  
pp. 902 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. Peck ◽  
N. Habili ◽  
R. M. Nair ◽  
J. W. Randles ◽  
C. T. de Koning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cucumber Mosaic Virus ◽  
Mosaic Virus ◽  
Seed Production ◽  
Alfalfa Mosaic Virus ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Bean Leafroll Virus ◽  
Leafroll Virus ◽  
Clover Seed

In the mid 2000s subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) seed producers in South Australia reported symptoms of a red-leaf disease in fields with reduced seed yields. The red-leaf symptoms resembled those caused by several clover-infecting viruses. A set of molecular diagnostic tools were developed for the following viruses which are known to infect subterranean clover: Alfalfa mosaic virus; Bean leafroll virus (BLRV); Beet western yellows virus; Bean yellow mosaic virus; Cucumber mosaic virus; Pea seed-borne mosaic virus; Soybean dwarf virus and Subterranean clover stunt virus. Surveys of subterranean clover seed production fields in 2008 in the south-east of South Australia and western Victoria identified Bean leafroll virus, Alfalfa mosaic virus and Cucumber mosaic virus as present, with BLRV the most widespread. Surveys of pasture seed production fields and pasture evaluation trials in 2009 confirmed that BLRV was widespread. This result will allow seed producers to determine whether control measures directed against BLRV will overcome their seed losses. Bluegreen aphid (Acyrthosiphon kondoi) was implicated as a potential vector of BLRV because it was observed to be colonising lucerne plants adjacent to subterranean clover seed production paddocks with BLRV, and in a glasshouse trial it transmitted BLRV from an infected lucerne plant to subterranean clover in a persistent manner.

Influence of cultivar and season on the response of Trifolium subterraneum to simazine

1992 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1095 ◽  
Author(s):  
BS Dear ◽  
DJ Conlan ◽  
MF Richards ◽  
NE Coombes
Keyword(s):  
Seed Set ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Yield Response ◽  
Yield Losses ◽  
Lolium Rigidum ◽  
Herbage Yield ◽  
Annual Grasses ◽  
Clover Seed ◽  
Seed Yields

The tolerance of 6 cultivars of Trifolium subterraneum (subterranean clover) to simazine applied at 0.63 and 1.25 kg a.i./ha was determined under weedfree conditions in the field by measuring herbage and seed yields. Large herbage yield losses occurred as a result of the simazine in spring in the 2 years of the experiments. In 1989, spring herbage yield losses of the cultivars at the 0.63 and 1.25 kg/ha simazine rates averaged 56 and 82%, respectively. In 1990 the spring herbage yield losses were 27 and 51%. Significant variation in tolerance was observed between cultivars in both years, with Trikkala being the most tolerant and Karridale the most susceptible cultivar. Rate of herbicide had the greatest effect on herbage yield, with cultivar having a smaller effect. In 1989, with relatively favourable spring conditions, clover seed yields were depressed by simazine, but in 1990 when drier conditions prevailed during flowering and seed set, seed yields were unaffected or slightly increased by simazine in all cultivars except the early-flowering cultivar Dalkeith. Seed yields of simazine-treated swards were 196-1480 kg/ha in 1989 and 359-686 kg/ha in 1990. The seed yield response in 1990 suggests that herbicides which retard growth in winter help to conserve soil water and, therefore, may benefit seed filling later in the season. The presence of Lolium rigidum at spraying did not reduce the effect of the herbicide on clover herbage yield and had no effect on seed set. Although simazine may reduce herbage yields and, in some cases, seed yields, its use may be justified for the control of annual grasses when other factors such as disease control, pasture quality, and level of weed competition are considered.

The phytotoxicity of the herbicides bromoxynil, pyridate, imazethapyr and a bromoxynil + diflufenican mixture on subterranean clover and lucerne seedlings

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 839 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. S. Dear ◽  
G. A. Sandral
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Clover Seed ◽  
High Level

Summary. The effect of the herbicides pyridate, imazethapyr and a bromoxynil + diflufenican mixture on subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) (cvv. Trikkala and Karridale) and lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) (cv. Aurora) seedlings was examined in randomised plot field experiments in 2 successive years. Responses were compared against an unsprayed control and a standard bromoxynil application. The herbicides and the rates of product applied were: bromoxynil + diflufenican (0.5, 1.0 L/ha), imazethapyr (0.18, 0.3 L/ha), pyridate (1.0, 3.0 L/ha), and bromoxynil (1.4 L/ha). Weeds were removed by hand from the subterranean clover experiments but not the lucerne experiments. Pyridate and imazethapyr were the least phytotoxic of the herbicides applied on both subterranean clover and lucerne. The bromoxynil + diflufenican mixture was the most phytotoxic, causing severe leaf burn and a depression in herbage biomass in both species. Despite the high level of phytotoxicity by some treatments, none of the herbicides reduced lucerne seedling numbers. Lucerne herbage yields in late spring were higher in most sprayed plots compared with the unsprayed control due to the removal of weed competition. Seed yield responses in subterranean clover due to herbicide application ranged from negative responses up to –21% with pyridate to positive responses up to 92% with the bromoxynil + diflufenican treatment relative to the weed-free, unsprayed control. The positive responses were attributed to increased availability of soil water during seed set in treatments in which herbicides suppressed legume biomass. There was a good correlation in both 1992 (R2 = 0.85–0.89) and 1993 (R2 = 0.63–0.73) between the depression in herbage yield in spring and the increase in seed set relative to the control. Soil water under the subterranean clover cultivar Karridale in spring was highest in the bromoxynil and imazethapyr treatments, which produced a large reduction in biomass, and lowest in the control and pyridate treatments, which had showed the least depression in biomass 60 days after treatment application. Although some herbicides cause a high level of phytotoxicity, their use in weedy subterranean clover–lucerne mixtures is justified in view of the small negative, and potentially large positive, effects on subterranean clover seed yield and the increased lucerne yields later in the season due to weed suppression.

Effect of phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) and lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) density on seed yield and regeneration of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.)

2000 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 267 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. S. Dear ◽  
P. S. Cocks ◽  
A. D. Swan ◽  
E. C. Wolfe ◽  
L. M. Ayre
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Seed Yield ◽  
Seed Bank ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Phalaris Aquatica ◽  
Medicago Sativa L ◽  
Clover Seed

A mixture of 3 subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) cultivars (cvv. Goulburn, Seaton Park, and Dalkeith) was grown with 5–40 plants/m2 of phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) or lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) for 3 years at Wagga Wagga, NSW (147°21´E, 35°03´S). Clover seed yield was assessed each year, the number of regenerating clover seedlings was counted, herbage yield of clover and the perennials was measured, and the change in perennial density recorded. The influence of perennials on water availability in spring and light during clover seed set was also examined. The impact of perennial density on clover was assessed using regression analyses. In each of the 3 years, subterranean clover seed yield was negatively related to perennial density, but phalaris suppressed clover seed yield more than equivalent densities of lucerne in 2 of the years. Clover seed yield was positively related (R2 = 0.30–0.85) to clover biomass in spring in all 3 years (except for subterranean clover in phalaris in 1994) and to the proportion of total photosynthetically active radiation reaching the clover canopy beneath the perennial (R2 = 0.33–0.83) in 2 of the 3 years. There was a positive relationship between clover seedling regeneration in autumn and size of the summer seed bank in both years in lucerne (R2 = 0.40–0.76) and in 1 year in phalaris (R2 = 0.76) and a negative association between perennial density and clover seedling regeneration. The rate at which the surface profile (0–37 cm) dried in spring was independent of phalaris and lucerne density over the 3 years and did not differ from that of pure clover. The late season clover cultivar, Goulburn, constituted between 57% and 79% of the seed bank following seed set, substantially more than the earlier flowering cultivars, Seaton Park and Dalkeith. Neither perennial density nor species changed the relative competitiveness of the 3 cultivars. The high seed yield of Goulburn and the lack of a perennial-induced change in surface soil water in spring suggest that growing perennials in association with subterranean clover does not increase the level of moisture stress during clover seed set. The good performance of Goulburn is attributed to superior competitive ability for light in late spring. The basal area occupied by lucerne and phalaris increased with perennial density in each of the first 2 years. However, in the third year, phalaris basal area was similar at all densities. The findings suggest that sowing low densities of lucerne should assist in promoting seed yield and regeneration of subterranean clover. Management of phalaris, which has the capacity to substantially increase plant size at low densities, may require additional strategies such as more frequent grazing in spring.

Factors contributing to reduced productivity of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) pastures on acidic soils

1990 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z Hochman ◽  
GJ Osborne ◽  
PA Taylor ◽  
B Cullis
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Root Rot ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Soil Phosphorus ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Phosphorus Sorption ◽  
Sorption Index ◽  
Clover Seed ◽  
Root Health

In a field study on four sites, soil acidity, root rot (Phytophthora clandestina), and soil phosphorus were identified as causes of 'subterranean clover decline'. Liming increased herbage and seed production at four sites, with a tendency for lime to increase herbage yields in autumn (22%) and winter (15%) but not in spring. The presence of ryegrass with clover increased total herbage yields, and reduced clover seed production, but there was no interaction with liming. Losses caused by root rot associated with P. clandestina were quantified for the first time in New South Wales. Root rot reduced survival of seedlings as well as herbage production in autumn and/or winter at three of the four sites. In the presence of the disease, lime did not improve root health or seedling survival. On two sites with high aluminium saturation of exchangeable cations (> 17%) and high phosphorus sorption index values, subterranean clover growth responded to high levels of P fertilizer. On one site, where lime increased the soil pH to above 5.5, the P sorption index was temporarily increased, and this was associated with a temporary adverse effect on herbage yields. Some possible mechanisms underlying the seasonality of lime responses are proposed and the practical implications of our findings are discussed.

Comparative productivity of some cultivars of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) in north-eastern Victoria

1968 ◽  
Vol 8 (30) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
IH Cameron ◽  
AA McGowan
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
The Common ◽  
Clover Seed

Eight cultivars of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.)-Yarloop, Burnley, Bacchus Marsh, Nangeela, Clare, Portugal, Chiltern Valley, and Mt. Barker-were compared in mowing experiments at the Rutherglen Research Station in north-eastern Victoria. All eight had similar total annual yields of dry matter, but all except Chiltern Valley outyielded Mt. Barker (the common district cultivar) in most winters. Yarloop, Burnley, and Bacchus Marsh grew best in winter. Of these, Burnley has most promise, being apparently more persistent than Bacchus Marsh, and having lower oestrogenic potency than Yarloop. There was no difference in greasy wool production from wethers run at five to the acre on Mt. Barker or Bacchus Marsh pastures, despite higher pasture production on the latter. Hay was cut in two seasons ; after feeding equal amounts to each group of sheep, there was a surplus of 20 cwt an acre in favour of the Bacchus Marsh pasture. Clover seed production, winter pasture growth, and sheep liveweights also favoured Bacchus Marsh.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document