The effect of defoliation on flowering and seed yield in subterranean clover

Abstract

The effect of defoliation on flowering and seed production in Woogenellup subterranean clover was studied under sward conditions. Defoliation prior to floral initiation (FI) delayed this event but did not alter the time from sowing to flowering compared with the undefoliated control. However, defoliation between FI and flowering reduced the time from sowing to flowering by 10 days. These findings are discussed in relation to the changes in rates of leaf appearance which resulted from defoliation. Defoliation of the plots either before FI, after FI, or at early flowering did not alter seed yield or any of its components.