Clonal integration between parent and branch stolons in white clover: a developmental study

SUMMARY The distribution of 14C‐assimilate from single leaves on the main stolon and branch stolons was investigated at different stages of plant development in a small‐leaved wild genotype of Trifolium repens. A widespread distribution pattern was observed with assimilate moving from source leaves to all plant parts, with the closest sinks receiving the greatest proportion of assimilate. A high proportion of assimilate was translocated to the branch stolon originating at the same node as the 14C‐treated leaf, thus indicating a close vascular linkage between source and sink. Branch stolons were shown to import and export simultaneously large quantities of assimilate at all stages of development investigated. Overall the pattern of assimilate distribution on the main stolon and from equivalent positioned leaves on a basally positioned branch stolon was very similar at all stages of plant development. The high degree of clonal integration and reciprocal assimilate exchange in T. repens are discussed in relation to growth in pastures.