Technique for evaluating the potential for growth of shoot and root buds of white clover (Trifolium repens)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
An assay was developed for assessing the potential for growth of shoot and root buds of white clover. This paper describes the technique and the experimental results on which it was based. The assay involved the incubation of nodes under standard conditions and the monitoring of bud activity at the nodes. Shoot buds were of primary interest but the assay was also used to investigate the activity of root primordia. Correlative influences were reduced by separating individual nodes and by removal of their subtending leaves and petioles. The optimal environmental conditions for incubation were: a constant temperature of 20 °C, a 24 h photoperiod of low irradiance (4 W/m2) and a high relative humidity (≥ 90%). The technique proved suitable for the monthly screening of 1000–2000 nodes sampled from field populations of white clover.