Author
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FAIREY, D - AG & AGRI-FOOD CANADA |
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Smith, Richard |
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Submitted to: Lotus Monograph
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 1/10/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The perennial, non-bloating forage species, Lotus corniculatus, L. tenuis, and L. uliginosus are used in hay and pasture throughout the temperate regions of the world. These species are commonly referred to as birdsfoot trefoil. Forage crops are bred for increased herbage yield and not necessarily for high seed yield, such as cereal crops, whose commercially harvestable yield is exclusively in the grain. The major limitations to achieving optimum seed production in the Lotus spp. are slow seedling establishment, uneven flowering, poor competitiveness with weeds, excessive pod shattering at harvest and poor plant persistence. When close management attention is given to these limitations, especially weed competition and pod shattering, seed yields of 400-450 kg ha**-1 can be achieved. Competition from weeds can be reduced with appropriate cultural practices and/or timely application of approved chemicals. At harvest it is imperative that close attention be given to seed pod color and ripeness to obtain maximum seed yield before the seed loss occurs from pod shattering. |
