Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
Experimental birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) cultivars, selected from Mediterranean germplasm, were compared with northern trefoils in monoculture and in association with grasses to determine productivity and persistence in north Georgia where northern trefoils have not been successful. Productivity and forage quality of one trefoil was studied under four frequencies of defoliation. Mediterranean trefoils had higher total and earlier spring production, better stand persistence, and seedling vigor than a northern cultivar. The yield advantage of Mediterranean trefoils occurred in monoculture and when grown in association with tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae) or orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata). Maximum yields occurred when at least 4, but no more than 8 weeks were allowed between cuttings. Forage quality was high all season. The highest quality forage was produced at 3-week harvest intervals, but there were no differences in in-vitro dry matter disappearance when the initial harvest was deferred 4, 6, or 8 weeks. Our results indicate that Mediterranean germplasm can be useful in extending the range of birdsfoot trefoil much further south in the Northern Hemisphere than the current area of production.
Citation
Hoveland, C S. and Fales, S L., "Mediterranean-Germplasm Trefoils in the Southeastern USA Piedmont" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 10.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session14/10)
Included in
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Mediterranean-Germplasm Trefoils in the Southeastern USA Piedmont
Kyoto Japan
Experimental birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) cultivars, selected from Mediterranean germplasm, were compared with northern trefoils in monoculture and in association with grasses to determine productivity and persistence in north Georgia where northern trefoils have not been successful. Productivity and forage quality of one trefoil was studied under four frequencies of defoliation. Mediterranean trefoils had higher total and earlier spring production, better stand persistence, and seedling vigor than a northern cultivar. The yield advantage of Mediterranean trefoils occurred in monoculture and when grown in association with tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae) or orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata). Maximum yields occurred when at least 4, but no more than 8 weeks were allowed between cuttings. Forage quality was high all season. The highest quality forage was produced at 3-week harvest intervals, but there were no differences in in-vitro dry matter disappearance when the initial harvest was deferred 4, 6, or 8 weeks. Our results indicate that Mediterranean germplasm can be useful in extending the range of birdsfoot trefoil much further south in the Northern Hemisphere than the current area of production.
