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

Authors

  • D.J. Moot
  • A.D. Black
  • W.R. Scott
  • J. Richardon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33584/rps.11.2003.3008

Abstract

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

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Published

2003-01-01

How to Cite

Moot, D., Black, A., Scott, W., & Richardon, J. (2003). Leaf development and dry matter production of subterranean clover cultivars in relation to autumn sward management. NZGA: Research and Practice Series, 11, 193–200. https://doi.org/10.33584/rps.11.2003.3008

Issue

Vol. 11 (2003): Legumes for Dryland

Section

Past volumes

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