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Effect of Latitude on Genotype x Environment Interactions for Seed Yield in Birdsfoot Trefoil¹

Columbia, MO and Madison, WI are sites of plant breeding projects for the improvement of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus coruiculatas L.). Northern Minnesota is presently a primary area of commercial seed production. Our objective was to ascertain if seed yield potential as measured at the plant breeding locations would predict actual seed yield in the area of commercial seed production. Forty genotypes were randomly chosen from each of ‘Leo’, ‘Norcen’, and ‘MO-20’ birdsfoot trefoil cultivars. In 1981, ramets from each genotype were transplanted in similar field layouts using similar cultural practices at Columbia, MO; Arlington, WI; and Roseau, MN. Roseau is located in the major commercial seed production area for birdsfoot trefoil. Plants were individually harvested at each location in 1981 and 1982. Seed yield, vegetative yield, and seed yield components were measured. Simple correlations for seed yield measured in Missouri or Wisconsin vs. seed yield in Minnesota were not statistically significant either year. Multiple regression models composed of all possible combinations of seed yield or seed yield components predicted seed yield in Minnesota poorly. The best model used all traits measured at Wisconsin in 1982 to predict seed yield in Minnesota in 1982 (r=0.65). These data suggest a high genotype x environment interaction among the three locations. Testing for seed production potential of breeding material of birdsfoot trefoil will need to be done in the environment where the seed will be produced commercially.

Key Words: Lotus conrniculatus L. • Seed production • Forage legume breeding • Seed yield components

² Research agronomist, USDA-ARS, and assistant professor, Dep. of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, Univ. of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108; research geneticist, USDA-ARS, and assistant professor, Dep. of Agronomy, Univ. of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201; and research geneticist, USDA-ARS, and professor, Dep. of Agronomy, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706.

Received for publication June 7, 1985.