Stand Age and Closing Date Effects on Seed Yield of Caucasian and ZigZag Clover Cultivars

Seed yields of Caucasian clover (Trifolium ambigum} and zigzag clover (T. medium) were obtained over 3 seasons. The effects of 6 closing times in the final year were also measured. Caucasian clover cv. Alpine flowered earlier than cv. Monaro and the zigzag clover lines were last to flower. Seed yield of Monaro Caucasian clover in the second and third seasons averaged 400 kg/ha while cv. Alpine produced a maximum of 355 kg seed/ha. Pests and poor pollination were the major limitations lo high yields of zigzag clover seed. Kentucky zigzag clover produced 300 kg seed/ha when seed chalcid (Bruchophagus spp.) control was practised but 57% of seed pods were empty. For both species cutting once flower buds were formed reduced seed yields.