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Flower and Seed Production in Yuchi Arrowleaf Clover 1
Author(s) -
Ball D. M.,
Hoveland C. S.,
Buchanan G. A.
Publication year - 1974
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/agronj1974.00021962006600040030x
Subject(s) - gibberellic acid , biology , agronomy , photoperiodism , forage , yield (engineering) , long day , horticulture , germination , metallurgy , materials science
Yields of ‘Yuchi’ arrowleaf clover ( Trifolium vesiculosum Savi.) seed frequently are reduced by rain‐induced shattering and lodging. Since the normal harvest period in July is usually rainy, earlier flowering should allow earlier seed harvest and therefore reduce shattering losses. Greenhouse, environmental chamber, and field experiments were conducted to study the effect of clipping management, temperature, photoperiod, and growth regulators on flowering and seed production of this winter annual clover. More than 14 hours of light per day were required for flowering under warm night temperatures. Cool nights delayed flowering under otherwise favorable conditions. There was no obligate cold induction requirement. Clover cut for forage once in mid‐March began blooming earlier, produced more and larger seed heads, and had higher seed yield than clover cut a second time on March 30. Gibberellic acid (GA) increased flower head numbers during May, while GA plus succinic acid 2,2‐dimethylhydrazide (SADH) apparently were synergistic, increasing numbers of flower heads throughout the blooming season. Seed yield was increased over 50% by GA plus SADH.