Growth of Trifolium repens L. and Trifolium semipilosum Fres. Var. glabrescens Gillet at different temperatures in controlled environments and in the field

Abstract

AbstractThe growth of Trifolium semipilosum Fres. var. glabrescens Gillet cultivar Safari, and Trifolium repens L., cultivars Haifa and Grasslands Huia was compared in controlled temperature glasshouses at 15/10, 21/16, 27/22 and 33/28°C (day/ night), and over eighteen months under four‐weekly cutting in the field. In glasshouses, white clovers grew better than Safari at all temperatures except 27/22°C. Stolon production and partitioning of dry matter to stolons was greater, and petiole production and partitioning of dry matter to petioles was less for Safari than for white clovers. Haifa and Huia differed primarily in individual leaf weight, individual leaf area and leaf numbers; with Hula and Safari, but not Haifa, exhibiting a reduction in leaf size in response lo defoliation. In the field, growth of Safari was poor. Growth responses of Haifa and Huia in the field were related to seedling vigour, dry matter partitioning between leaves and stolons, and response to defoliation at low temperatures. It was concluded that there were major differences in growth, dry matter partitioning, morphology and response to temperature between T. semipilosum and T. repens. These differences particularly influence climate adaptation and competitive ability at the seedling stage.