Copper nutrition of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L. cv. Seaton Park). I. Effects of copper supply on growth and development

Abstract

Effects of severe and moderate copper deficiency on the development of leaves and lateral branches, on the distribution of dry weight within the plant, and on seed yield of Seaton Park subterranean clover were assessed as part of three glasshouse experiments. Copper deficiency markedly depressed top and root growth without producing any distinctive symptoms. It retarded phasic development by delaying development of leaves and lateral branches, senescence of plant parts, and flowering: it also depressed the proportion of stem plus petiole in plant tops and decreased internode elongation, pollen fertility and the number of burrs and seeds formed. As a result of its effect in delaying flowering, copper deficiency would depress seed production particularly strongly when low soil water supply shortens the growing season. The need for suitable procedures for diagnosing copper deficiency is emphasized by the lack of specific plant symptoms in this species.