SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS OF ROOT RESERVES IN RED CLOVER, TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE L

Abstract

Medium and mammoth red clovers behave primarily as biennials under the system of cutting usually practised. However, stands have been known to persist beyond the 2d yr. In tne current study, the fluctuations in the % of total available carbohydrates and total N in the roots and the persistence of the stands were detd. throughout the 1st and 2d yrs. of growth to obtain evidence relating to the physiol. behavior of both clovers as biennials or perennials. The seasonal fluctuations of root reserves were generally typical of the responses associated with a perennial legume, such as alfalfa. Also, some plants survived into the 3d yr. One factor that may contribute to the short life of red clover is the high metabolic activity during winter dormancy which was evidenced by a marKed reduction in the carbohydrate reserves.