Plant introduction trials

Abstract

Two hundred introductions of Lotus corniculatus from 32 countries were assessed as spaced plants for seasonal growth and persistence in dry coastal sand country (Flock House, Bulls) and at Grasslands Division, Palmerston North over a 3–year period. Of 14 cultivars tested, Tana (U.S.A.) and Franco (Italy) gave above-average performances over the whole trial period, and Vega (U.S.A.) and San Gabriel (South America) were erratic in performance. Most lines performed similarly at both sites except for South American material which performed better at Flock House than at Palmerston North. Many European and Mediterranean introductions were above average at both sites. Introductions from these regions were also strong in first–year spring, and autumn growth, and South American types showed good winter growth in the milder Flock House climate. European and Mediterranean material survived well at both sites. The results are discussed in relation to the development of this species for use in New Zealand agriculture.