Free Standard AU & NZ Shipping For All Book Orders Over $80!
Register      Login
Animal Production Science Animal Production Science Society
Food, fibre and pharmaceuticals from animals
Shopping Cart: ( empty )
You are here: Home > Journals > AN > EA06147
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 47(7)

Regeneration characteristics of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) in low latitude environments in eastern Australia

J. F. Ayres A D , W. M. Kelman B , L. A. Lane A and B. E. McCorkell C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A NSW Department of Primary Industries, ‘Centre for Perennial Grazing Systems’, Glen Innes, NSW 2370, Australia.

B CSIRO Plant Industry, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.

C NSW Department of Primary Industries, Agricultural Institute, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: john.ayres@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47(7) 833-843 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA06147
Submitted: 22 June 2006  Accepted: 21 December 2006   Published: 2 July 2007

Abstract

Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) is a perennial pasture legume with adaptive characteristics and agronomic potential for permanent pastures in the high rainfall temperate zone in eastern Australia. Most birdsfoot trefoil cultivars have been developed for high latitude (>40° north or south) locations, and have long photoperiod (>16 h) requirements for flowering. However, at low latitude (28–32°S) in northern New South Wales (NSW), daylength (~14 h on the summer solstice) provides insufficient photoperiod to stimulate flowering and the level of seed-set needed for effective seedling recruitment. As a precursor to breeding, a study was undertaken to characterise a collection of birdsfoot trefoil populations from low latitude origins. Eight cultivars, two breeding lines and 38 accessions were assessed for flowering prolificacy, seed-set, morphological characteristics and seasonal herbage growth at two sites in northern NSW (Glen Innes 29°42′S, Armidale 30°31′S). None of the cultivars expressed reproductive processes with sufficient intensity to provide the level of seed-set necessary for regeneration. However, three accessions consistently flowered strongly at both sites and expressed desirable agronomic characteristics, and a further 10 accessions and the Australian germplasm BLVR5 flowered strongly at least at one of two sites. These populations provide a genetic base for future cultivar development, so that birdsfoot trefoil might become a perennial legume option for northern NSW and other low latitude regions.


Acknowledgements

This study was partially funded by the ‘Acid Soil Action Program’ (NSW Government). The authors are grateful for technical support from Emma Wilson, Regina Knight and Len Doust; for encouragement and support from Michael Duncan (Coordinator, Acid Soil Action Program); and for assistance with the preparation of the manuscript from Carmen Elvins. The senior author especially acknowledges Dr Paul Beuselinck (USDA-ARS Columbia, Missouri, USA) for providing seed of the birdsfoot trefoil cultivars used in the study, and for generously contributing expertise on Lotus research and technology; and Dr Warren Williams (AgResearch Limited, Palmerston North, New Zealand) for providing seed of the birdsfoot trefoil accessions used in the study.


References


Ayres JF (2003) Lotus research update from eastern Australia. Lotus Newsletter 33, 7–8. open url image1

Ayres JF, Blumenthal MJ, O’Connor JW, Lane LA, Nicol HI (2006a) Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and greater lotus (Lotus uliginosus) in perennial pasture in eastern Australia. 1. The effects of grazing management on persistence. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 46, 503–519.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | open url image1

Ayres JF, Blumenthal MJ, Lane LA, O’Connor JW (2006b) Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and greater lotus (Lotus uliginosus) in perennial pasture in eastern Australia. 2. The adaptation and applications of Lotus-based pasture. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 46, 521–534.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | open url image1

Ayres JF, Kelman WM, McCorkell BE, Lane LA (2007) Characteristics of greater lotus (Lotus uliginosus) populations grown under low latitude conditions in eastern Australia. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47, 17–24.
| Crossref |
open url image1

Beuselinck PR (1994) Registration of ‘Dawn’ birdsfoot trefoil. Crop Science 34, 540. open url image1

Beuselinck PR , Grant WF (1995) Birdsfoot trefoil. In ‘Forages: an introduction to grassland agriculture’. (Eds RF Barnes, DA Miller, CJ Nelson) pp. 237–248. (Iowa State University Press: Ames. IA)

Beuselinck PR, McGraw RL (1988) Indeterminate flowering and reproductive success in birdsfoot trefoil. Crop Science 28, 842–845. open url image1

Beuselinck PR, Steiner JJ (1995) ‘ARS-2620’ birdsfoot trefoil. Lotus Newsletter 26, 34. open url image1

Beuselinck PR, Bouton JH, Lamb WO, Matches AG, McCaslin MH, Nelson CJ, Rhodes LH, Sheaffer CC, Volenec JJ (1994) Improving legume persistence in forage crop systems. Journal of Production Agriculture 7(3), 287–322. open url image1

Blumenthal M , Kelman W , Lolicato S , Hare M , Bowman A (1993) Agronomy and improvement of Lotus: a review. In ‘Alternative Legumes 1993, Proceedings of the Second National Workshop on the role of alternative legumes in pastoral agriculture’. (Eds DL Michalk, AD Craig) pp. 74–85. (Department of Primary Industries South Australia: Adelaide)

Blumenthal MJ , McGraw RL (1999) Lotus adaptation, use and management. In ‘Trefoil: the science and technology of Lotus. CSSA Special Publication No. 28’. (Ed. PR Beuselinck) pp. 97–119. (American Society of Agronomy Inc., Crop Science Society of America Inc.: Madison, WI)

Bologna JJ, Rowarth JS, Fraser TJ (1996) The effect of closing date on seed production from a birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) pasture. Journal of Applied Seed Production 14, 47–52. open url image1

Carlson IT , Elling LJ , Miller DA , Beuselinck PR (2000) Norcen birdsfoot trefoil. Iowa State University Extension, Northern Central Regional Extension Factsheet Publication 199. Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

Cocks PS (2001) Ecology of herbaceous perennial legumes: a review of characteristics that may provide management options for the control of salinity and waterlogging in dryland cropping systems. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 52, 137–151.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | open url image1

Fairey DT , Smith RR (1999) Seed production in birdsfoot trefoil, Lotus species. In ‘Trefoil: the science and technology of Lotus. CSSA Special Publication No. 28’. (Ed. PR Beuselinck) pp. 145–166. (American Society of Agronomy Inc., Crop Science Society of America Inc.: Madison, WI)

Fales SL, Cummins DG, Burns RW (1986) Registration of GA1 birdsfoot trefoil germplasm. Crop Science 26, 205. open url image1

Forde MB, de Lautour G (1978) Plant introduction trials: classification of Lotus introductions. New Zealand Journal of Experimental Agriculture 6, 293–297. open url image1

Frame J , Charlton JFL , Laidlaw AS (1998) Birdsfoot trefoil and greater lotus. In ‘Temperate forage legumes’. pp. 245–271. (CAB International: Wallingford, UK)

Grant WF (2004) List of Lotus corniculatus (Birdsfoot trefoil), L. uliginosus/L. pedunculatus (Big trefoil), L. glaber (Narrowleaf trefoil) and L. subbiflorus cultivars. Lotus Newsletter 34, 12–26. open url image1

Grant WF , Marten GC (1983) Birdsfoot trefoil. In ‘Forages: the science of grassland agriculture’. (Eds ME Heath, DS Metcalf) pp. 98–108. (Iowa State University Press: Ames, IA)

Grant WF, Small E (1996) The origin of the Lotus corniculatus (Fabaceae) complex: a synthesis of diverse evidence. Canadian Journal of Botany 74, 975–989. open url image1

Han SJ, Beuselinck PR, McGraw RL (1988) Reproductive parameters of birdsfoot trefoil. Lotus Newsletter 19, 17. open url image1

Hollowell EA (1958) Registration of varieties and strains of trefoils (Lotus spp.). II. Agronomy Journal 50(7), 402. open url image1

Hoveland CS , Harris RR , Haaland RL , McGuire JA , Webster WB , Calvert VH (1985) Birdsfoot trefoil – grass pasture for steers in the Tennessee Valley. Auburn University (Alabama) Agricultural Experiment Station Bulletin 530.

Hughes HD , MacDonald HA (1951) Birdsfoot trefoil. In ‘Forages: the science of grassland agriculture’. (Eds HD Hughes, ME Heath, DS Metcalf) pp. 215–233. (Iowa State College Press: Ames, IA)

Joffe A (1958) The effect of photoperiod and temperature on the growth and flowering of birdsfoot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus L. South African Journal of Agricultural Science 1(4), 435–449. open url image1

Kelman WM, Ayres JF (2004) Genetic variation for seed yield components in the birdsfoot trefoil cultivar, Grasslands Goldie. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 44, 259–263.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | open url image1

Kelman WM, Blumenthal MJ, Harris CA (1997) Genetic variation for seasonal herbage yield, growth habit and condensed tannins in Lotus pedunculatus Cav. and Lotus corniculatus L. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 48, 959–968.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | open url image1

Kirkbride JH (1999) Lotus systematics and distribution. In ‘Trefoil: the science and technology of Lotus. CSSA Special Publication No. 28’. (Ed. PR Beuselinck) pp. 1–20. (American Society of Agronomy Inc., Crop Science Society of America Inc.: Madison, WI)

Li Q, Hill MJ (1989) A study of flower development and seed yield components in birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). Journal of Applied Seed Production 7, 65–75. open url image1

Long SJ, Barnes DK, McGraw RL (1989) Birdsfoot trefoil pod and seed development affected by temperature. Crop Science 29, 391–395. open url image1

MacDonald HA (1946) Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.): its characteristics and potentialities as a forage legume. Memoir 261. Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (Ithaca) 261, 1–182. open url image1

McGraw RL, Beuselinck PR (1983) Growth and seed yield characteristics of birdsfoot trefoil. Agronomy Journal 75, 443–446. open url image1

McGraw RL, Beuselinck PR, Ingram KT (1986a) Plant population density effects on seed yield of birdsfoot trefoil. Agronomy Journal 78, 201–205. open url image1

McGraw RL, Beuselinck PR, Smith RR (1986b) Effect of latitude on genotype × environment interactions for seed yield in birdsfoot trefoil. Crop Science 26, 603–605. open url image1

McGraw RL, Beuselinck PR, Marten GC (1989) Agronomic and forage quality attributes of diverse entries of birdsfoot trefoil. Crop Science 26, 1160–1164. open url image1

McKee GW (1963) Influence of daylength on flowering and plant distribution in birdsfoot trefoil. Crop Science 3, 205–208. open url image1

Miller J (1993) Lotus corniculatus variety ‘Grasslands Goldie’ synonym G32. Plant Varieties Journal 6, 25–26. open url image1

Miller DA, Beuselinck PR, Carlson IT, Elling LJ (1983) Norcen birdsfoot trefoil. Crop Science 23, 1010–1011. open url image1

Murrell DC, Shuel RW, Tomes DT (1982) Nectar production and floral characteristics in birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). Canadian Journal of Plant Science 62, 361–371. open url image1

Nelson CJ, Smith D (1968) Growth of birdsfoot trefoil and alfalfa. II. Morphological development and dry matter distribution. Crop Science 8, 21–25. open url image1

Paim NR (1988) Research on Lotus spp. in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. Lotus Newsletter 19, 37–43. open url image1

Pedersen JF, Haaland RL, Hoveland CS (1986) Registration of ‘Au Dewey’ birdsfoot trefoil. Crop Science 26, 1081. open url image1

Real D, Sandral GA, Warden J, Rebuffo M, Risso DF, Ayres JF, Kelman WM, Hughes SJ (2005) Breeding birdsfoot trefoil for Mediterranean-type environments in southern Australia. Lotus Newsletter 35, 136–137. open url image1

Seaney RR (1976) Birdsfoot trefoil. In ‘Forages: the science of grassland agriculture’. (Eds ME Heath, DS Metcalf, RF Barnes) pp. 177–188. (Iowa State University Press: Ames, IA)

Seaney RR, Henson PR (1970) Birdsfoot trefoil. Advances in Agronomy 22, 120–157. open url image1

Steiner JJ (1993) Registration of AG-S4 autogamous broad-leaf birdsfoot trefoil germplasm. Crop Science 33, 1424–1425. open url image1

Steiner JJ (1999) Birdsfoot trefoil origins and germplasm diversity. In ‘Trefoil: the science and technology of Lotus. CSSA Special Publication No. 28’. (Ed. PR Beuselinck) pp. 81–96. (American Society of Agronomy Inc., Crop Science Society of America Inc.: Madison, WI)

Taylor TH, Templeton WC, Wyles JW (1973) Management effects on persistence and productivity of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.). Agronomy Journal 65, 646–648. open url image1

Templeton WC, Buck CF, Wattenbarger DW (1967) Persistence of birdsfoot trefoil under pasture conditions. Agronomy Journal 59, 385–386. open url image1

Widdup KH, Keoghan JM, Ryan DL, Chapman H (1987) Breeding Lotus corniculatus for South Island tussock country. Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association 48, 119–124. open url image1

Widdup KH , Keoghan JM , Ryan DL (1988) Breeding and on-farm development of Lotus corniculatus L. for dry, infertile environments. In ‘Proceedings of the 9th Australian plant breeding conference’. (Eds KS McWhirter, RW Downs, BJ Read) pp. 183–184.