The effect of nitrogen stress during flowering on seed production in Medicago laciniata

Abstract

The effect of available nitrogen during flowering on the pod and seed production in Medicago laciniata (L.) Mill. was studied in pot culture in the glasshouse. Nitrogen stress had no effect on the total number of flowers that appeared but lengthened the flowering period, reduced the percentage of flowers that set pods, and markedly reduced seed production. After storage for twelve months, none of the seed from nitrogen deficient plants was hard or viable.