Seasonal variation in stolon growing point density of a world collection of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) cultivars

Abstract

The seasonal variation in density of aerial and surface stolon growing points of 109 cultivars and 16 breeding lines of white clover was examined in a rotationally grazed sward over 3 years. Aerial and surface stolon growing points numbers were higher in summer and autumn than in winter and spring. There was, however, a large cultivar × season interaction for stolon growing point density. Very small-leaved cultivars had a greater change in stolon growingpoint density from summer orautumn to winter or spring than larger-leaved cultivars. Earlier-flowering Unes also had a more significant seasonal drop in stolon growing point density from autumn to winter or spring than later-flowering lines.

Keywords:

• white clover
• Trifolium repens
• stolon growing point density
• seasonal variation
• cultivars
• variation