Generative Development in Red Clover in Response to Temperature and Photoperiod

Abstract

Stem elongation and flower bud emergence in response to photoperiod (16 and 20 h) and temperature (10, 14 and 18 °C) were characterized in three Norwegian (Lea, Nordi, Reipo) and one Swiss (Fregata) red clover variety. The Norwegian varieties were slower in generative development than Fregata, and were, unlike Fregata, responsive to an increase in photoperiod from 16 to 20 h. Lea was later than Reipo, while Nordi was intermediate. Across all varieties, the earliness of stem elongation in response to temperature was saturated at 14 °C, whereas earliness of flower bud emergence also responded to an increase from 14 to 18 °C. Photoperiod and temperature had additive effects on timing of development prior to stem elongation and complementary effects on timing of development prior to flower bud emergence. Developmental rates calculated on a thermal time basis varied between temperature treatments.