Numerical analysis of variation patterns in the genus Stylosanthes as an aid to plant introduction and assessment

Abstract

An experiment is described in which a large collection of Stylosanthes introductions, comprising 14 named species, was grown as spaced plants and simple morphological and agronomic data recorded. After applying various methods of numerical analysis, and integrating the results, it was found that species and forms could be delineated. The importance of non-stable agronomic characteristics in the classification of the introductions is explored and the taxonomic status of the resultant groups briefly examined; the use of these systems for plant assessment programmes is discussed.