Expression of the creeping-rooted habit in Cancreep Lucerne in South Australia in relation to plant vigour and summer cutting frequency

Abstract

Cancreep lucerne was planted at 30 cm intervals in rows 60 cm apart, and was either irrigated or not irrigated during the summer. In half the irrigated plots three Hunter River plants were inter- planted in the rows between each Cancreep plant. From December to the end of March plants were cut every 4 weeks, every 8 weeks, or were uncut for 16 weeks. The expression of the creeping-rooted habit was observed. Only 14 per cent of the plants in the pure Cancreep plots were creeping one year after establishment; none was creeping in the mixed Hunter River and Cancreep plots. Cutting at different frequencies had no effect on the expression of the creeping-rooted habit.