‘Grasslands maku’ tetraploid lotus (lotus pedunculatus cav.)

Abstract

‘Grasslands Maku’ tetraploid Lotus pedunculatus Cav. was bred at Grasslands Division DSIR, Palmerston North, by the late Dr P. C. Barclay. This tetraploid intraspecific hybrid provides an increase in annual herbage production over the present commercially available lotus, especially in the cool seasons. Good production has been obtained on most soil types, and in areas that are moist, of low pH, or of low soil fertility it can outproduce white clover. With a seed size and weight almost double that of commercial L. pedunculatus, Maku has increased seedling vigour. This is invaluable in a legume such as lotus, which is slow to establish. © 1974 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.