Abstract

The effects of boron (B) application on flower development, nectar production, germination and seed yield were investigated in organic seed crops of white clover grown in soils with <1mgBkg(-1). Application techniques of a liquid B product were studied in two field experiments in 2009-2011. Three rates of B application to the soil at sowing and three rates of B as a foliar application in the harvest year were compared with untreated control plots. None of the B treatments had a significant effect on seed yield, relative to the control. In one experiment, with a dense crop stand, the results indicated a small (10%) yield increase with B applied to the soil. Seed germination and B concentration of shoots, roots and seeds were unaffected by B application, although the soil concentration increased. In seeds with an average B concentration of 22mgkg(-1), 73% germinated as normal seedlings and 14% were assessed as hard seeds; corresponding values for seeds with an average B concentration of 17mgkg(-1) were 60 and 38% respectively. The results indicate the need for further studies of factors determining B uptake in white clover.

Keywords

boron; Trifolium repens; seed yield; nectar; flower development; germination

Published in

Grass and Forage Science
2015, Volume: 70, number: 4, pages: 661-667
Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL

SLU Authors

• Wallenhammar, Ann-Charlotte

  • Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/gfs.12141

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/74968