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Seed Size Effects Upon Seedling Vigor of Three Forage Legumes¹

Seed size-seedling vigor relationships were studied with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciaefolia Scop.). Differences in seed size were separated into those among plants and within plants. Seed weight distribution patterns were measured for each plant. An additional study measured the effect of varying number of seeds per raceme upon seed size of sainfoin.

Correlations among clones of seed size with seedling vigor were significant in birdsfoot trefoil, were not significant in alfalfa, and approached a significant level in sainfoin. Differences in seed size within plants were highly correlated with seedling vigor in all legume species. The degree to which seed size can be affected by regulating seed number per raceme was shown for five sainfoin plants.

Seed weight distribution patterns varied widely among plants within a species. The importance of these patterns in selecting for seedling vigor and in obtaining genetic equality in the contribution of plants to a composite variety is discussed.

Key Words: Seed classes • Seedling growth • Birdsfoot trefoil • Alfalfa • Sainfoin

² Associate Professor, Plant and Soil Science Department, Montana State University and Agronomist, Plant Science Research Division, ARS, USDA.

Received for publication April 22, 1971.

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