Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
Cotyledon and leaf development of six important forge legumes were compared to study their contribution to the seedling growth. Cotyledons of forage legumes expanded their size rapidly during one week after emergence, then slightly expanded until maximum size was reached and entered senescence. Larger seeds produced greater cotyledon area and speed of cotyledon expansion was closely associated with seedling growth. Earlier onset of leaf production and earlier leaf development were major determining factors for initial seedling growth. Alfalfa and red clover which have larger seeds were good in seedling vigor with larger photosynthetic area. Alsike clover and white clover with small seeds showed also good seedling vigor, as they developed leaves early with relatively high photosynthetic rate. On the other hand, though lespedeza has heavy seeds, its seedling vigor was poor with slow photosynthetic area development and low photosynthetic rate.
Citation
Hur, S N. and Nelson, C J., "Cotyledon and Leaf Development Associated with Seedling Vigor of Six Forage Legumes" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 16.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses3/16)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Cotyledon and Leaf Development Associated with Seedling Vigor of Six Forage Legumes
Kyoto Japan
Cotyledon and leaf development of six important forge legumes were compared to study their contribution to the seedling growth. Cotyledons of forage legumes expanded their size rapidly during one week after emergence, then slightly expanded until maximum size was reached and entered senescence. Larger seeds produced greater cotyledon area and speed of cotyledon expansion was closely associated with seedling growth. Earlier onset of leaf production and earlier leaf development were major determining factors for initial seedling growth. Alfalfa and red clover which have larger seeds were good in seedling vigor with larger photosynthetic area. Alsike clover and white clover with small seeds showed also good seedling vigor, as they developed leaves early with relatively high photosynthetic rate. On the other hand, though lespedeza has heavy seeds, its seedling vigor was poor with slow photosynthetic area development and low photosynthetic rate.
