Morphology, flowering, and persistence of subterranean clover cultivars grown in north island hill country: A preliminary note

Abstract

Morphological characteristics (leaf width, petiole length, leaf density, runner content), floweringpatterns, and formononetin content of 14 subclover cultivars were assessed on steep, north-facing hillsides in the North Island during spring 1979. Growth of the early flowering cultivars in these sites lacked vigour. The 2 cultivars, Bacchus Marsh and Mt Barker, exhibited prolonged running and flowering; Mt Barker and Tallarook maintained high leaf densities. Formononetin content exceeded 0.5% of dry weight in Yarloop, Howard, and Tallarook. After 3 years of reseeding and re-establishment, Mt Barker, Howard, and Tallarook showed the most consistent regeneration. Early and mid season flowering cultivars appeared unsuitable for North Island hill country that receives high annual rainfall (about1500 mm) but has dry summer conditions. © 1983 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.