Floret Site Utilization of White Clover

Plants of white clover (Trifolium repensL.) cv. Olwen were grown in an open glasshouse at 20°C and ovule growth and development measured. Differences in the rate of growth of ovules within ovaries were observed as early as 2 days after pollination. Ovules reached a maximum size after 8 days, with the smallest only half the size of the largest. After 8 days the smallest ovules became flaccid and shrivelled. Ovule position within the ovary had no effect on the frequency of seed set. Inflorescence position and floret position on the inflorescence had a significant effect on the number of seeds/floret and seed weight as the first-formed inflorescences and the first florets to be pollinated/ inflorescence had more seeds/floret and heavier seeds. The implications of these results for improving floret site utilisation are discussed.