Seed yield and seed quality of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) in growing conditions of Finland

Authors

• E. Varis University of Helsinki, Dept. of Crop Husbandry, SF-00710 Helsinki, Finland
• U. Peltola University of Helsinki, Dept. of Crop Husbandry, SF-00710 Helsinki, Finland
• R. Kauppila University of Helsinki, Dept. of Crop Husbandry, SF-00710 Helsinki, Finland

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.72928

Abstract

Seed yield and overwintering of seeds of 22 Australian subterranean clover varieties were investigated in 1986 and 1987 at the Viikki Experimental Farm of the University of Helsinki. The seed yield varied remarkbly according to the variety and weather conditions of the two summers. Some varieties, such as Seaton Park, Woogenellup and Karridale, and during the summer of 1987 also the early variety Dalkeith, produced lots of seed. Some late varieties, e.g. Treeton, Tallarook and Esperance, produced very few seeds or no seeds at all. A considerable proportion of the seeds degenerated during the wet autumn conditions, by the end of October. Many seeds showed embryo dormancy, but complete dormancy or hard seeds were found only exeptionally. In spring 1988, some seedlings which had developed from overwintered burrs were found. There seems to be little hope of finding self-seeding subterranean clovers suitable for Finnish growing conditions.