A comparison of various cultivars and lines, of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus).

Abstract

Yields of 17 entries of Lotus corniculatus were measured over two seasons at Ermelo in the south-eastern Transvaal. There were marked differences between entries in the date of commencement of flowering in the establishment year, the relative abundance of flowers, and the degree of dormancy in the winter. Root rot caused by the fungi Fusarium and Phoma caused extensive damage. There were indications that the cultivar Norcen was resistant to the fungi and that Germplasms MO 20 and NC 83 had partial resistance.

Keywords: birdsfoot trefoil; dormancy; ermelo district; establishment; flowering; flowers; fungi; fusarium; germplasm; lotus corniculatus; nooitgedacht research station; phoma; relative abundance; resistance; root rot; south africa; transvaal; yield