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Abstract
Field experiments were conducted in two successive seasons to investigate the effects of the plant growth retardant cycocel applied at 1.25 and 2.50 kg a.i./ha at different plant growth stages on the vegetative and reproductive growth, yield components, and seed yield of Lotus uliginosus Schk. cv. Grasslands Maku. Cycocel did not retard internode length or affect total dry matter, flowering pattern, or seed weight. Significant seed yield increases were recorded in both years, although responses differed with application rate and time. Cycocel at 2.50 kg/ha applied in early October before reproductive initiation, increased seed yield by 108 and 92% in 1989 and 1990 respectively. Later applications (floral bud appearance; onset of flowering) produced less-consistent results. The seed yield increases recorded were in response to increased pods per umbel and seeds per pod. Cycocel reduced pod abortion from the mid-season flowers, but abortion rates did not differ in the early- and late-season flowers.