Differences among attributes of white clover genotypes at various levels of phosphorus supply

Abstract

Abstract Genotypes of white clover were grown in pots of soil in a glasshouse at a range of levels of phosphorus (P) supply. One group of genotypes was a random collection from soils relatively high in P, the other group consisted of genotypes collected from soils low in P. Shoot dry weight and a number of attributes of the youngest mature leaf were measured. There was a significant group x P interaction for shoot dry weight, leaf total P concentration, inorganic P concentration and soluble protein concentration. This indicates that, on average, the two groups had different responses to P which suggests that there may be some differentiation of the genotypes according to the P availability at the site of origin. Further analysis suggested that two genotypes in particular were responsible for the significant interaction. Significant differences in attributes among genotypes also mean that, if not taken into account, they may obscure other desired observations, especially in a variable, outbreeding species ...