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Comparison of Cyanogenesis in Four Sources of White Clover Plants¹

Four sources of the cyanogenesis-conditioning genes Ac and Li were developed, two from intermediate types and two from ladino types of white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Field plantings of both phenotypes from the four sources were grown at Clemson, S.C.; Blacksburg, Va.; Raleigh, N.C.; and Mississippi State, Miss, to compare the performance of plants that evolve hydrocyanic acid (HCN) and plants that do not evolve HCN.

Genetic sources differed in almost all characters studied at all four locations. This was expected since each source represented a different genetic base. At Clemson and Raleigh no association was found between HCN-release phenotype and plant performance. However, slug (Limax spp.) damage was higher in acyanogentic than in cyanogenetic plants at Blacksburg, and insect and disease damage was higher in acyanogenetic than in cyanogenetic plants from one source at Mississippi State.

Frost damage and rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) feeding were greater in taller, more rapidly growing plants and were not associated with HCN-release phenotype. The taller plants may have been more palatable and succulent due to more rapid growth; therefore, they might be preferred by rabbits and be more susceptible to frost damage.

Our results suggest that further studies, longer, and with larger populations are needed to justify a decision to breed either for plants that evolve HCN or for those that do not.

Key Words: Trifolium repens L. • HCN • Plant height • Insect damage • Herbivore feeding • Cyanogenesis

² Research agronomists, USDA, SEA, FR Mississippi State, MS 39762; Clemson, SC 29631; Raleigh, NC 27607; Tifton, GA 31794; and associate professor, Dep. of Plant Pathology and Physiology, South Carolina Agric. Exp. Stn., Clemson, SC 39631.

Received for publication December 3, 1977.