ARS | Publication request: GENOTYPE X ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION ON RHIZOME EXPRESSION IN BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Meetings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2001
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The development of rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil is considered an important step towards improving persistence and stand longevity. Rhizomes develop in the fall and early spring in response to short photoperiod and possibly cooler temperatures. A study was initiated to determine the effect of latitude on rhizome expression and plant development. Seven locations participated: Booneville, AR; Ames, IA; Columbia, MO; Ithaca, NY; Corvallis, OR; Logan, UT; and Madison, WI. Two distinct rhizome expressing birdsfoot trefoil lines, ARS-2620 and 5946 x G4712 were used. Each line consisted of rooted clones of 10 genotypes confirmed for rhizome expression. The clones were planted in replications at all locations in the summer of 1999, and after a hard frost at the location, dug in mid- to late-fall of 2000. Plant mortality ranged 15 to 65%, with IA and UT having lowest mortality. Mean rhizome and root mass, and root crown circumference differed among locations and genotypes, and there was significant genotype x location interaction. Rhizome production, root mass, and root crown circumference were positively correlated with latitude for ARS-2620 genotypes, while for 5946 x G4712 genotypes, only rhizome production was correlated with latitude. High altitude in UT delayed the growth of rhizomes into shoots. There was no single genotype that performed well across all locations. Generally, 5946 x G4712 genotypes produced more rhizome and root mass than ARS-2620.