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A Study of Red Clover Seed with Relation to its Color 1
Author(s) -
Eastman J. F.
Publication year - 1912
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1912.00021962000400010019x
Subject(s) - relation (database) , kindness , citation , agricultural experiment station , state (computer science) , mathematics , library science , computer science , sociology , political science , history , law , agriculture , algorithm , archaeology , database
The difference in the color of clover seed is very noticeable. There are seeds which are of a bright yellow and others which are of a deep violet or purple color. Between these two colors there are all shades and gradations, from a yellow with just a little dark color showing, to others with enough of the dark color to make a spotted seed, and still others .with enough to make a deep violet. Farmers, and consequently seedsmerL prefer seed of a dark color beca.se they believe it looks more mature and appears richer in food material. This difference of color is illustrated in a large number of different kinds of seeds. In general, seeds of a dark color are associated with maturity, while the white or lighter-colored seeds are considered immature. This character of color may be the result of either or both of two general causes, viz., internal or external. Thus, if the character is the result of an internal influence we should expect it to be inherited, and if purple seeds were planted we should secure, after a few generations, plants bearing a.-~ery large proportion of purple seed. In the same way, yellow or any other color would be inherited.provided that no external influence entered in. The external factors which might influence the color of the seed are food supply, seasonal variations of temperature, rainfall, and varying amounts of sunlight which individual plants receive. All of these factors have their effect upon the development of a plant and the complete maturity of its seed.