AbstractsBiology & Animal Science

A study of certain agronomic and morphological characteristics of lotus corniculatus L. and lotus uliginosus schk.

by Douglas Tory. Slater




Institution: McGill University
Department: Department of Agronomy.
Degree: MS.
Year: 1951
Keywords: Agronomy.
Record ID: 1554206
Full text PDF: http://digitool.library.mcgill.ca/thesisfile124117.pdf


Abstract

Agronomic characteristics and adaptability of L. corniculatus strains were studied by seeding with timothy, in pure stand and with a nurse crop at Macdonald College. Germination tests and root studies were conducted on L. corniculatus. L. corniculatus and L. uliginosus were compared morphologically and for resistance to flooding and 2, 4-D. The nurse crop retarded birdsfoot establishment but pure stand and birdsfoot-timothy plots yielded substantially during the first season. Hard seeds in birdsfoot samples suggest the use of scarified seed. Extensive root development of young trefoil seedlings is associated with restricted topgrowth. L. corniculatus prostrate types demonstrated superior winter survival and greater desirability than upright strains for this locality. Light applications of 2, 4-D may control weeds during birdsfoot establishment. L. uliginosus differs from L. corniculatus chiefly by rooting rhizomes, hairy foliage and smaller seed, flooding experiments indicated adaptability of Bunker and big birdsfoot to moist conditions.