HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Dade, E. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Dade, E. Agricola Articles by Dade, E.

Sampling Red Clover for Nectar Yield Components and Corolla-Tube Length¹

Red clover heads were selected from a stand of ‘Lakeland’ red clover when corolla coloration was apparent and before appreciable expansion of florets had occurred. The selected heads were covered with gauze bags to exclude nectar-collecting insects. Heads were collected on a schedule 3 to 9 days later.

Average weight of head, number of functional florets, nectar volume, and nectar volume per floret increased to the 6th day after selection. Afterwards, there were no significant changes in the means of these characteristics. Percent sugar increased slightly with advancing age of head. Corolla-tube length increased to the 6th day. Corolla tubes borne on the mid-verticil were longer than those borne on the lower and upper verticils.

During the season, average weight per head and number of functional florets decreased significantly. Corollatubes selected from the lower and mid-verticils were significantly shorter at the end of the season. Correlations between cumulative solar radiation and the measured characteristics and correlations among the characteristics were of limited value in explaining differences hi nectar yield during the season.

The importance of specific selection criteria and collection 6 to 7 days after selection is emphasized in sampling for red clover nectar yield and corolla-tube length.

² Research Agronomist, CRD, ARS, USDA, Washington State University Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Prosser, Wash.

Received for publication October 13, 1966.