Effects of season and defoliation on the growth habit of Lotus pedunculatus Cav. cv. ‘Grasslands Maku’

The growth habit of established Lotus pedunculatus cv. ‘Grasslands Maku’ was characterised in terms of the pattern and structure of root, rhizome, and shoot growth. The inftuence of season and contrasting defoliation managements on these morphological characteristics is reported and the implications discussed. Plant growth was dominated by aerial shoots during spring—early summer and by the expansion of underground organs during late summer—autumn. Of the underground components, rhizomes were the most affected by season and defoliation. They were also the principal sites for shoot initiation and therefore determined plant growth habit. Primary crowns produced little new shoot growth and acted largely as a temporary link between a network of underground and aerial sterns. Rhizome shoot numbers were strongly inftuenced by cutting height, and their dominance within the canopy increased as regrowth intervals were extended. Viability of stubble shoots during dry summerand cold winter conditions was poor and canopy growth was dominated by rhizome shoots at these times.