Peduncle characteristics, inflorescence survival and reproductive growth of white clover (Trifolium repens L.)

Field experiments were carried out in four harvest years to compare the peduncle characteristics and reproductive growth of the small-leaved white clover (Trifolium repens L.) cv. AberDale, selected for long and strong peduncles, with other varieties bred in the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER). The peduncles of cv. AberDale were of larger diameter and had a greater fresh and dry weight than those of other varieties. There were also differences in structure as the peduncles of cv. AberDale had more pronounced ridges and furrows than those of cv, Menna.

Inflorescences of cv. AberDale and other varieties were tagged when in full bloom throughout the flowering period in each of the four harvest years. Generally, more inflorescences of cv. AberDale remained intact until harvest, particularly from the early tagging dates. Although there were seasonal differences, at harvest in each of the 4 years, cv. AberDale had more inflorescences and seeds per floret and a greater potential seed yield than the other varieties.

The basis of peduncle strength and effect on reproductive growth is discussed, and the implications for improving the seed yield potential of white clover varieties is considered