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Growth Type and Yield Comparisons of Forage Species After Seed Multiplication in Germany and in the United States. I. Red Clover, Alfalfa, and White Clover¹

Seed increases of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) from seed composites of German origin, representing 20% early, 60% intermediate, and 20% semilate flowering types, were made at one location in Germany and three locations in the United States. The population composition and forage yields of two consecutive generations of increase were investigated at Weihenstephan, Germany. Growth type means and forage yields of red clover increased in the United States were similar to those from seed increased in Germany. Forage yield differences between alfalfa seed lots increased in the United States and Germany were not significant. However, a tendency towards more upright and later flowering types of plants and slightly reduced winter survival was observed in some of the alfalfa lots multiplied in the United States.

Means for leaf size, plant diameter, plant height, regrowth, and flowering intensity of most of the white clover populations fom seed grown in the United States were somewhat lower than corresponding means for the increases made in Germany, but were similar to the means of the original seed. No clear relationships were noted among generations or among harvest years within generations and population changes.

It is concluded that plant characteristics and forage yield of the red clover, alfalfa, and white clover experimental composites were retained when seed was multiplied for two generations at three locations in the United States.

Key Words: Genetic shift • Seed production • Trifolium patense • L. Medicago sativa L. • Tifolium repens L.

² Research Agronomist, 805 Freising, Germany (now Professor Justus Liebig-Universitat, 63 Giessen); Research Agronomist, 805 Freising, Germany; Research Agronomist, Beltsville, MD 20705.

Received for publication December 7, 1973.