The influence of environment on seed production capacity in white clover (Trifolium repensL.)

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Abstract
Pollen fertility and the number of ovules per ovary were followed over two 12-month periods in a wild population of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and in selected clones of ‘Grasslands Huia’ white clover growing in field plots. in both cases average pollen sterility ranged from about 3-50% and ovule numbers from 4.5-6.0 per ovary. Maximum pollen sterility occurred during winter and early spnng, averagmg 30-50% m July and August. Ovule numbers were up to 30% higher from May to December than from January to April. The parts played by temperature and water stress as causal factors are discussed.